Mention ‘industry’ and you might think of dark, smoke-filled factories of the north, but Norwich has its own share of manufacturing, from the famous Colman’s mustard to more obscure industries such as soap-making. Now, a new book from Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) uncovers the extent of the city’s industries throughout the centuries.
Norwich: City of Industries examines how the city has always been a hub of industries, consistently innovating with new products and technologies, and helping to shape Norwich along the way. This book looks at some of the key industries that have left their mark on Norwich, focusing on textiles, boot and shoe-making, brewing, food manufacturing, engineering and the Norwich drapers, and includes case studies on major companies including Colman’s, Bullards, Laurence Scott and Start-rite.
Author Nick Williams delves into the remarkable stories behind each industry, the companies and key characters who shaped their success, the industrial buildings and the legacy that remains, and the social history and philanthropy of many of the firms – all of which have contributed to the city’s fascinating heritage.
Nick Williams, author of Norwich: City of Industries said: “’I feel that the city’s industrial heritage is something that is often overlooked. I hope this book may go some way to addressing that and encourage others to consider it as a topic for research and publication.”
Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of HEART said: “This is not a book about dark satanic mills but rather about creativity, innovation and pushing the boundaries. It is about how industrialists and labour forces have responded to the decline of some industrial sectors from century to century not with despondence but with inventiveness and imagination. Even though the majority of what we might regard as traditional industries have now gone, the city continues to push the boundaries with knowledge-based and creative industries. This book is not a funeral dirge for lost industries but a celebration of creativity – Doing Different and Doing Clever – something Norwich has done throughout its rich past and continues to do very effectively.”
Norwich: City of Industries is HEART’s fifth book, following the award-winning Strangers – A History of Norwich’s Incomers, Norwich 12guidebook, The Medieval Churches of the City of Norwich and local bestseller The Blue Plaques of Norwich.
The book has been funded by the Harry Watson Heritage Education Bursary, which provides annual grants for research on aspects of the history of the city or for the undertaking of specific heritage projects.
Norwich: City of Industries is available from Friday 8th November at Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, direct from HEART at The Guildhall or via HEART’s Amazon store, and in all good local bookshops.
About Norwich HEART
Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich. We strategically plan, regenerate, manage and promote Norwich’s heritage and act as a best practice model internationally for developing heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle. HEART receives support from bodies including the University of East Anglia and Norwich City Council and has received project funding from a variety of sources including European Union, HM Treasury, the East of England Development Agency and Norfolk County Council.
About the Harry Watson Bursary
Harry Watson was elected to Norwich City Council in 1982 and served as Deputy Leader for many years. He was Lord Mayor of Norwich 1997-1998, a Trustee of the Town Close Estate Charity, Director of the Norfolk and Norwich Heritage Trust and Chairman of the Norwich Preservation Trust. A well-respected Councillor, Harry worked tirelessly for the city of Norwich and was a passionate advocate for its heritage resources.
As a fitting tribute to Harry’s memory, and endorsed by his family and close colleagues, the Harry Watson Heritage Education Bursary has been established by Norwich HEART. The Bursary provides annual grants for research on aspects of the history of the city or for the undertaking of specific heritage projects.
The Bursary is managed by Norwich HEART and administered by the School of History at the University of East Anglia. Funding for the Bursary is provided on an annual basis by HEART, Norwich City Council and the Town Close Charity.
ARS – Asbestos Risk Surveys, Norfolk 01953 604411
