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a little more about Norwich
 The Anglo-Saxons first laid claim to Norwich, settling here in a random collection of gatherings. The local gatherings eventually merged for Norwich to become the largest walled town in medieval England. By the time the Normans had arrived with force in 1066, Norwich was a thriving metropolis and one of the most important sites in Britain, not lost on our European brothers, the Normans accelerated the trading influence even further, developing continental commerce. Their influence saw the castle start life in 1067AD, with the cathedral 30 years later. By medieval times there were 56 churches within the walls, reflecting its status as an opulent ministry. In 1565 Norwich's forward thinking city authorities accepted 30 households of skilled religious refugees from the Netherlands. These 'strangers', were cloth workers brought in to educate local weavers. The strangers brought with them a love of gardens and of canary-breeding, which became part of the Norwich heritage. During the 17th century Norwich cloth was exported all over the world. In the early 1670s Norwich was probably the largest provincial town in England, with a population of about 21,000. Prosperity continue and brought opportunity for individuals like Thomas Bignold, who in 1792 started the insurance business which was to become Norwich Union.
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