Famous Names

Admiral Lord Nelson was born in 1758 at Burnham Thorpe. He studied at the King Edward VI School in Cathedral Close, Norwich, and went on to become the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. His statue can be found situated at the west front of the cathedral.

The acclaimed doctor and philosopher, Sir Thomas Browne, settled in Norwich during the 17th century and his statue stands in Hay Hill.

Colman’s Mustard was founded by Jeremiah Colman in 1814, who began manufacturing mustard in Stoke Holy Cross, a village south of the city. His great-nephew, Jeremiah James, moved the business to Carrow in 1856, where it remains today.

Sir Thomas Bignold was the founder of the insurance business, Norwich Union. Originally a wine merchant and banker, he turned his hand to insurance in 1792.

Nurse Edith Cavell became famous for her services during the First World War and was shot in 1915 for sheltering Allied soldiers in her hospital and helping them to escape. Her grave can be found at the east end of the cathedral.

The Gurney family, who were well known Quakers, did a lot of charity work for the city and, in 1775, helped to found what is now known as Barclays Bank.

Start-rite Shoes was an important industry in the city for over 400 years when the shoe trade was flourishing.

During Victorian times, A. J. Caley began making chocolates at Chapelfield and the brand still exists today.Other famous people with Norfolk connections include singer/songwriter Cathy Dennis, comedians Stephen Fry and Arthur Smith, fisherman/television presenter John Wilson and Director and majority share holder of Norwich City Football Club/writer/famous cook Delia Smith.