East Anglia and Fens
Norwich
In the twelfth century
Norwich, on the Wensum, which is navigable down to Yarmouth and the sea, is among the largest towns in England. The Normans cleared part of the Saxon town for a royal castle, and between about 1094 and 1121 raised on its mound a great stone keep faced in imported Caen stone. Bishop Herbert de Losinga moved the see here and began the cathedral priory in 1096; it is finished around mid-century. A new French borough with its own market grows up west of the castle. A Jewish community lives near the castle by the 1140s. In 1144 the death of a boy, William, gives rise to the first recorded false 'ritual murder' charge against Jews in Europe. In 1174 Hugh Bigod and Flemish troops seize the castle. Henry II grants a charter in 1158, and Richard I another in 1194.
Landmark: The Norman stone castle keep on its great mound (built c.1094–1121; still standing, though refaced in the 19th century).
Known for
- Market trade (the Norman new-borough market)
- Wool and cloth
- Leather
- Fish and herring by river from Yarmouth
- Caen stone imports
Caveats (confidence: high)
The cathedral's completion date is usually given as about 1145, but sources vary. The 'first recorded ritual murder accusation' refers to the accusation made in Thomas of Monmouth's later account; the charge was false. Norwich's worsted cloth industry is later. The trade list is general, and I have not verified specific 12th-century figures.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · historyofnorfolk.com · cathedral.org.uk
Playtest: in development, may be reset
In the playtest world now
What the test world shows at Norwich, as of Year 12, winter, month 10, day 26. About the playtest
Last season's market
Autumn, year 12. Each good's price at the close of last season, against its usual price in this town: dear, usual or cheap.
- Usual
- Pick, Ox cart, Pit saw, Adze, Axe, Iron hammer, Awl, Drawknife