The Norwich Cathedral Riot Of 1272

Years of hate and distrust between Norwich people and the city's Monks exploded into Violence in August 1272, that would lead to dozen dead, damage to the cathedral and surrounding area and lead to decades of punishment.
Sources
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norwichchurche...
www.edp24.co.uk/lifestyle/20823719.fine-city-history-tomblands-murderous-secret-plain-sight/
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torturedcreati...
www.britainexpress.com/counties/norfolk/norwich/tombland.htm
www.britainexpress.com/counties/norfolk/norwich/ethelbert-gate.htm
546831895821756/photos/a.554183271753285/1117888815382725/?paipv=0&eav=AfbmWOFAq50s3v05iIIEgoAC_JcnC-yzap38FOL34-EGtTyThmsUs-LWk7Da092XXFY
historicenglan...
www.racns.co.uk/sculptures.asp?action=getsurvey&id=11
www.norwich360.com/cathedral1.html
www.vrc.crim.cam.ac.uk/system/files/documents/manuel-eisner-historical-trends-in-violence.pdf
users.trytel.co...
localhistories...
www.british-history.ac.uk/topographical-hist-norfolk/vol3/pp60-76
www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?MNF558-St-Ethelbert%27s-Gate-The-Close&Index=554&RecordCount=56542&SessionID=bd314739-a6be-410c-9111-8d12bcd9fdb4
norwichmedieva...
www.tournorfolk.co.uk/norwichcathedral.html
Pictures
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perkingthepans...
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artuk.org/disc...
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www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/116882552807692958/
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www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=11167690746&ref_=ps_ggl_2038407968&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_RareStandard-_-product_id=bi%3A%2011167690746-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjwmbqoBhAgEiwACIjzEMANGYl2hCdoxY94VvrUje6Bh-kMoYxBqOS3dAWhm7z_Y72T8PpWNRoCDrAQAvD_BwE
www.realmofhistory.com/2016/05/03/10-interesting-facts-english-longbowman/?
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www.norfolkholidaycottages.uk/discover-norfolk/historic-norwich/
www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/King-Henry-III/

[@davidderoberts1466]

As a devout Catholic, it is sad to note that our clergy and hierarchy have yet to learn or mend their ways.

[@lll9107]

For real, all these monks forcing me to pay tolls to watch some jousting. Last straw.

[@uutarn]

I live in Norwich and visit the cathederal often and i never knew this despite being a lover of European history of the middle ages. Fantastic little documentary, thanks.

[@BORN-to-Run]

I never get enough of English history.

[@jojohnston4113]

Very interesting story. Unequal justice isn't justice at all, resentment will only grow. Just one reason for remembering history.

[@speakupriseup4549]

The elites have treated the peasants like dirt throughout history and STILL DO, at least these guys got some revenge.

[@georgejpg]

Yep, the Anglo-Norman ruling class of the 1200s simply morphed into the modern British Aristocracy. Using their vast wealth, they have significant ownership in our media. They establish think tanks to fabricate evidence for policy that would benefit them They 'donate' to the ruling party, financing their campaign in exchange for the promise to pursue the policy Finally, they use their influence in the media to push for said policy, party and politician. And the public continues to fall for it. By the time the Tories are gone, they'll have been in power for at least 14 years.

[@AnEnemy100]

I walk through this gate on my to and from work. In my family we call it the dragon gate. There is a depiction of St George battling a dragon on the front of the gate. No doubt the church men and the Normans saw themselves as protected by St George and the common parishioners of Norwich as the Dragon! The flag of St George was not adopted as a flag of England until after the Norman conquest and dragons appeared on various pre-conquest pennants including that carried by the side of Harrold as portrayed in the Bayeux Tapestry. Historic Norwich has a number of these surprisingly violent revolts.

[@anniebodyhome1000]

Thanks, always appreciate a local perspective!

[@greg1474]

No society can long endure if there is “Two-Tier Justice.”

[@joemerino3243]

But that society did endure long. Multi-tier 'justice' is the norm worldwide. Equal justice for all has always and everywhere been a myth to placate the lower classes.

[@readmylisp]

I hope Brandon and his cronies have taken note.

[@toomanymarys7355]

The laity would also shop around for the friendliest courts to bring a suit, whether church or secular.

[@dornierdo2172]

Like starmers mis rule now.

[@nickyfield137]

As several others have said, I'd never heard of this, and I'm from Norwich ! Very proud we got excommunicated though, top job

[@tranzco1173]

Do you listen to North Norwich Digital Radio? Ever hear of a DJ named Alan?

[@zimriel]

now you can become a Catholic, and have the Archbishop of Canterbury and the BBC excommunicate you for not accepting trans rights

[@Rynewulf]

@@zimrielyou know the Archbishop isnt Catholic, and the BBC is a broadcasting corporation right? And thats besides the point of that apparently you want to treat sections of our population like dirt

[@kingofcards9516]

@@zimriel oh how times have changed.

[@debby-ex6ir]

The story is so interesting and the paintings certainly enhance the tale. Thanks as always for sharing history - it's always fascinating to learn more.

[@khalidalali186]

Thank you so very much for this. What an absolute treat. I was on my lunch break, all the way in West Asia, here in Abu Dhabi, having delicious Thai food, while watching and listening to your excellent work. I pride myself as being a hopeless bibliophile, an avid reader, a die-hard erudite, and history buff. Yet, I’ve never known anything about this. Incidentally, just last night, I finished reading about the “Peasants’ Revolt” of 1381. God bless the algorithms I tell ya! Once again, thank you! 🫡

[@russellnixon9981]

Found this really interesting, knew nothing of this episode in Norwich's history.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I absolutely love your history mini-documentaries. A great pleasure. So very interesting new views of mostly unknown or lost history. Your presentation style is so digestible for the non-academic but nonetheless interested majority. You are doing valuable work Sir!

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I was shocked as well, I though there might still be 1 or 2 boats going out at least but apparently not.

[@lyndamck3446]

Interesting story. I never knew about this. Thanks for sharing. It was interesting the king was involved to ensure justice was done but clearly favoured the bishop and his monks.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I think the favouritism happened due to the amount of power the church had.

[@grindelston5968]

Hm, power corrupts, eh. Very interesting video, I'll sub.

[@brendanmcnamara1414]

Great piece of history beautifully presented. Overreach is always dangerous lessons for today

[@dravmtp385]

".... Would lead to an explosion of violence in 1272 that would see damage done to Norwich cathederal that would take over a century to fix, the whole city cast out by the Pope and the King, and a monument to the city's penance and shame that still exists to this day." So no evidence of penance or shame from the church or monarchy then? How times have changed. No, wait, not changed, i was thinking of the other thing. Stayed the same, thats the one. (edited: because i'm bad at typing and clearly struggle to spell human words)

[@angierucinski5694]

Thank you so much, that really was a fascinating story, I've visited Norwich Cathedral several times but never knew about this piece of its history.

[@michaelpjeffries1521]

This explains a lot. Many of my ancestors are from Norwich. My great grandfather was born in England on January 1st 1863. He married another recent arrival in loyalist upper Canada. Mom's family were from Montreal. 1st Canadian born governor general was not too distant uncle/ cousin.

[@InFamousProductions]

Amazing. Great video great storytelling and great to know this bit of history.

[@JoesWebPresence]

@11:45 " . . due to tensions among religious groups . . " This wasn't tension among religious groups, this was entirely about class. The clerics were lording their power and immunity from prosecution over the common people. The good people of the city of Norwich were the third estate, who rose not on religious differences, but against the oppression of their third estate from the first estate, the clergy. The second estate, the aristocracy then came in and punished the third estate for their rebellion, but allowed the first estate to punish themselves. Later conflicts in Norwich WERE due to tensions among different religious groups, but this one wasn't.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I will admit I could have worded that a lot better than I did. It was meant to allude to the tensions with the Jewish community that plagued the city for many years.

[@JoesWebPresence]

Just a minor technical point @@alittlebitofhistory Excellent video nonetheless.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

@@JoesWebPresence Thank you.

[@philiptownsend4026]

@@alittlebitofhistory Always for thousands of years Jewish people are persecuted everywhere. When will it stop?

[@kingofcards9516]

Is that you Marx?

[@jackie0604oxon]

That was very interesting, thank you. I've had a couple of visits to this beautiful cathedral and had no idea of this episode in its history!

[@hsmd4533]

Great video, and thank you for not using unnecessary, annoying background music!

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

Neat. I came here to learn more about the area because a silly gothic fiction series here on YT takes place is the area and it sparked interest

[@alittlebitofhistory]

Interesting never heard about that before, well I hope this channel and others like it will help you grow your interest in the local area.

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

@@alittlebitofhistory it's a goofy parody of the Vampire Masquerade/world of darkness rpg games called "Hunter the Parenting". Takes place in County Norfolk and the surrounding area. It's a tad on the weird side but enjoyable.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

@@sanguiniusonvacation1803 Might have to give it a look thanks for letting me know.

[@jharchery4117]

Thank you. I love Norwich, you brought back fond memories for me.

[@h0rriphic]

What an interesting piece of history i never knew anything about. Thank you so much for creating this wonderful video.

[@ETBrenner]

So ... did the Church or any of its representatives ever make any kind of apology to the people and municipality of Norwich for the flagrant behavior of the church staff and hierarchy? (Including the unjust punishment laid on the town?)

[@Deedeevenice]

Do they EVER?

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I don't believe so but I feel it is a rather moot point now, the church in Norwich today is so far removed for any involvement in this.

[@Dabhach1]

As a Catholic, I can see, well...let's call them "after-images" of the attributes of the Norwich clergy in the Catholic hierarchy today. Plus ca change...

[@Xanrax]

Thank you, all i watch is history and documentary's my whole life. I have never heard of this and I love things like this. Im suscribing and giving you a like.

[@phatwayne]

I’ve walked through St Ethelberts gate so many times and had no idea of its history.😮

[@paulleverton9569]

1272. Last year of Henry III, first year of Edward I. The Kings who introduced hanging, drawing and quartering as the execution method for 'traitors'. Such as the Welsh & Scots Nobles who resisted absolute domination by French speaking English royals.

[@ericchristen2623]

Every single king was a devil.

[@PortmanRd]

Wales survived until 1277.

[@paulleverton9569]

@@PortmanRd I like to think that Wales is still surviving. Places in Wales are at the top of my dream retirement destinations (along with places in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland). But exactly what happened in 1277?

[@paulleverton9569]

@@PortmanRd en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conquest_of_Wales_by_Edward_I

[@PortmanRd]

@@paulleverton9569 The conquest of Wales by Edward Longshanks (Edward I) started in 1277. Llewellyn was lured into a trap and killed at Orewin bridge on 11 December 1282. His brother Daffyd was captured in 1283 and taken to Shrewsbury where he was executed as a traitor. Various other uprisings happened with the most serious being Owen of Glendower, but none were successful, and by the Laws in Wales Act 1535-1542 Wales was effectively incorporated into England.

[@sheilaleslie1323]

Thank you ALBOH. It’s made me want to come and see Norwich for myself. The illustrations were excellent, and as usual your commentary was clear and informative. Keep up the good work 😃

[@stevenleslie8557]

Did not know about this.this is the same thing that Henry the 3rd's grandfather had problems with - clergy privilege. Thanks for sharing.

[@suzp2265]

Thank you for an excellent presentation 🙂

[@PtolemyJones]

Good riddance. Sounds like justice was done by the rioters, and injustice by the King.

[@zimriel]

A fan of burning books are you?

[@PtolemyJones]

@@zimriel no, burning horrible people.

[@kingofcards9516]

@@zimrielwell the comments are full of these fascists after all.

[@marvwatkins7029]

Life in England has always been hard for most. Look at today.

[@blackgirlcouchreviews]

I felt the rioters got a bad rap; had to beg forgiveness for their own mistreatment for fear of an afterlife in hell. Smh

[@brandyjean7015]

It sucks to be one of the regular folk.

[@philiptownsend4026]

Times have changed. We recognise that all religions are just fairy stories. Though adherents of religions wearing their iron shirts threaten us they cannot harm us.

[@biposto749]

That is exactly why the clergy kept the Bible in Latin so kept the people in ignorance, Jesus said the truth would set you free, free from the lies perpetrated by many religions still today, free from superstition and false beliefs not taught in the scriptures

[@archlich4489]

Yeah I wondered about the right-and-wrong of it all.

[@joemerino3243]

@@biposto749 Jesus said he spoke in parables to confuse people. At several points in the scriptures, they themselves declare that certain parts of them are just the opinion of the speaker (especially in Paul). You are the one mired in superstition and false beliefs.

[@mortalclown3812]

I've loved Julian for many years: now it behooves me to learn more about the place and time. Cool video. ✨

[@user-wb7rv8jp3e]

At last a history story well read without endless dramatic background music , hooray!

[@alittlebitofhistory]

Those kind of videos tend to put me off as well.

[@bobrussell3602]

Very well presented. 'The benefit of clergy caused tensions that reverberated for years.

[@CAB-yu8uj]

Ah yes, Norwich being the first and only English city to be entirely excommunicated by the Pope! Great video as always! :)

[@addie_is_me]

Really? Gotta google that one. Lol

[@philiptownsend4026]

I didn't know that. What a tremendous honour.

[@boydgrandy5769]

Henry VII, "What am I, a cheese sandwich?" Considering that he got the entire country of England excommunicated, I think that should count as English cities being excommunicated as well.

[@simonevans343]

@@philiptownsend4026 Henry VIII Died a Catholic

[@jontalbot1]

It was an attempt to suppress their horrible football club

[@trevorhoward2254]

Fascinating. Very good work. Thankyou,

[@d.l.l.6578]

Blatant church abuse. I totally side with the people. Henry II wanted to stop this and Thomas Becket resisted him. This is what Martin Luther was talking about.

[@rridderbusch518]

Uploader *Lav Luka* is a Norwich video reviewer. He'd LOVE this!

[@solssun]

The irony of the gate built by the people no longer being open to the public

[@alittlebitofhistory]

Is it not? I have been a bit busy with work recently so not been near the Cathedral but I have heard nothing about it being closed. Your not thinking about the gate to the Bishops House by any chance are you?

[@jesserothhammer7378]

And they wonder why Martin Luther was pissed enough to leave, later.

[@bobstranzenbach4700]

Wow… how FAR away from teachings of Jesus. 😞

[@lorrainediferdinandogordon5519]

Very interesting... It wasn't easy living at that time.

[@crowdofdissidents155]

I am convinced there was much more going on with these monks than what is printed in the histories. Unprintable things.

[@loonylinda]

i love to hear historical tales of my beloved Norwich, born and bred. thankyou

[@DidYaServe]

I had never heard if this revolt until now. Fascinating.

[@georgejpg]

You just couldn't win as a peasant... I suppose the safest way to guarantee some level of security was to become a monk yourself

[@reneedennis2011]

Thank you for this video. I didn't know about this.

[@bjh7924]

Great story 👍As per normal, religious hierarchy protect their own & 'punishment' is minimal 🙄

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

I learned a lot - thank you!

[@yakacm]

@01:38, was the footwear really that pointy back then, or is it just a stylistic choice on the painters behalf to depict them like that, like did it have some meaning that is lost of folk who weren't around at the time?

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I believe it is a bit of both.

[@rakeshbai2732]

This channel is freaking awesome!!!!!

[@johnough4893]

I remember this well, as if happened only yesterday.

[@vickypedias]

Brilliant video thanks so much!

[@danieltoe328]

Hi are you on holiday? When will you present us with a new documentary? Regards

[@octavianpopescu4776]

I'm curious and I don't think I've ever seen an explanation to this, but why did construction last so long? 50 years to build a gate? And I've seen this before, cathedrals taking... sometimes centuries to build. Why did it take so long? I get that they didn't have modern equipment, but still it's way too long.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I have never found a reason either sadly.

[@napalmholocaust9093]

Sad 😔 There's enough wood and people to pile it up, they could've reduced the church to a pile of lime. Common mistake.

[@hankskorpio5857]

I genuinely thought this was a song and the thumbnail was the album cover... But may aswell leave a like regardless

[@dckatyx9577]

Global Elites: “1272, the good old days, before the serfs forgot their place.”

[@pierceh.5670]

And yet the “elites” are more protected than ever…

[@marvwatkins7029]

Yes, all clergy everywhere should frequently serve pentenence (?) to the people.

[@korosuke1788]

That's pretty metal, bro.

[@simonevans343]

Fantastic. Really enjoyed that

[@ejreob]

8x9 and 8x10 chessboards @ 1:35, no wonder they are so upset.

[@danol.8595]

Geez I wonder why protestantism would embrace the well in England so many other places. good video.

[@rjlchristie]

1:22 this painting was first pictorial record of the futility of trying kung fu in a sword fight.

[@jerryumfress9030]

The catholic church in that day was absolutely corrupt, with money changing hands, along with other disgusting acts towards the very people that needed food.

[@kilcar]

I wonder if this incident and others influenced Henry VIII to expunge the Roman Church from the Kingdom? The Roman Church' s influnce had become such a Fifth Column.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I am sure they played some part in it, if nothing else they made it clear that many in the county would not want to take up arms to defend the Roman church.

[@shadetreader]

Medieval peasants had more courage than we do today...

[@jeannehall6546]

In a way, it’s not much different from how things are today between clergy and laity- The more things change the more they stay the same!

[@magicaltour1]

England’s always had a bit of a rocky relationship with the Church, even before Henry VIII.

[@alittlebitofhistory]

Yes, I think you could probably argue that things only really calmed down in the last 200ish years.

[@TheRedneckPreppy]

Fascinating story -- thanks for telling it!

[@mauricedavis2160]

Fascinating!!!🙏👌🦉❣️

[@donaldasayers]

The most interesting thing to happened to Norwich to date.

[@EdwardSnortin]

Subscribed 🙏

[@andrewyarosh1809]

Your lack of sympathy for the legitimate grievances of the citizens of Norwich against the predations of the monks and churchmen is truly sad. Do you really believe that the churchmen had any legitimate excuse for their predations (and no doubt depravities) they perpetrated on the citizens? A story like this makes hero’s of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell for the dissolution of the monasteries 250 years later.

[@delphinazizumbo8674]

a town full of heroes they knew what to do with a monk, that's fer sure

[@zromo8994]

Norwich would have been far better off if the excommunication was never lifted.

[@glenchapman3899]

Really so 800 years of corpses pilling up in the streets would be a good thing and no one being able to get married. Yep great idea

[@mistersir3020]

"Plunder of Norwich 1217" Can't find any information about this. Source?

[@alittlebitofhistory]

It was mentioned in one of the sources I used, Its not something I have looked into.

[@godlikemonolith]

Why would they feel shame to this day?

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I meant that the gate built as a symbol of their shame still stands to this day not that the city was still ashamed.

[@maxasaurus3008]

I like this town

[@R08Tam]

Very interesting

[@charliepearce8767]

Ahh, the good old days.

[@dornierdo2172]

Where the people who just observed the riot locked up like today by 2TK.

[@donnadees1971]

Separate church and state.

[@paulleverton9569]

Life was a struggle in the 1200's The good news - social and economic mobility would be far greater in the 1300's (after half the peasants were wiped out by the Black Death). Anyone else notice that things only improve for poor folk after absolute catastrophes? WWI led to more rights for working class folk and women, WWII was followed by the NHS, Welfare State, etc. Not sure what will reverse the current inequality, now the bosses don't have to fear communism and machines can replace us.... Depressing thought.

[@julieblackstock8650]

wow,, naughty monks!!

[@timmurphy7384]

One: Where have you been? Two: What is you name?

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

It's a wee bit comforting to know that you can only push men (and women) so far. Enough is enough. Threats to loss of life at some point no longer matter, particularly when life has become miserable.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Henry the Eighth payed 'em back.

[@CJNAGY34]

Bit biased, but an interesting story nontheless

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I can only go by the sources I have access too being a one man operation my recourses are fairly limited.

[@scallopohare9431]

Not much has changed. I take that back: secular government has taken the place of the church.

[@AnEnemy100]

The cathedral close is still administered quite differently to the rest of the city and when going through the gates you can feel it.

[@scallopohare9431]

@@AnEnemy100 Interesting. I will have to take your word for it, as I am in the US. Have been to SW England twice, hope to get back sgain, maybe go North.

[@readmylisp]

@ 9.30 the people hanged were all wearing crowns. Rather puzzling.

[@DanielHernandez-ki3ch]

The church has always been abusive, that's my personal view anyway I'm sure some people will defend them.

[@HipnoDark]

Was Ethelbert the daughter of Alfred the great?

[@alittlebitofhistory]

I think that could be where the name originates from yes

[@-Gorbi-]

Beta monks starting fights then running behind daddy’s henchmen

[@reeyees50]

Just like the Oxford riots

[@catmomjewett]

Ain’t Christianity a pip!

[@droppeddogs]

@ParaQue-lc2wv supposed to be good shepherds