How has Norwich changed over time?

Through a series of five enquiry questions, pupils will learn how Norwich has changed from prehistoric times to the 20th century.

Each question has a PowerPoint presentation of information plus a series of supporting enquiries and activity sheets to help pupils discover more about Norwich’s history and embed their learning.

Our Local History series is proudly produced in partnership with Teacher’s Pet.

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Teaching ideas

By investigating the development of the city chronologically, pupils will be able to look for similarities, differences, and changes over time throughout the whole history of the city. They will gain an understanding of how the city they live in today has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by the place itself and the people who have lived in it.

Each of the following questions is designed to enable pupils to use enquiry techniques to discover for themselves how their local history relates to the national history of Britain.

The Norwich Local History Teaching Overview describes the specific learning outcomes for each of the activities listed below. You can also download our ‘Essentials’ for extra resources that can be used with all five questions, such as a word mat, glossary, teacher cheat sheet, and much more.

Question 1 - Who were the first people to live in the Norwich area?

  • First settlers in Norwich - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Mapping Norfolk Significance Activity
  • Eaton Hoard Analysis Activity

Extended Task: What else can you find out about Grimes Graves?

Question 2 – How have invaders shaped the city of Norwich?

  • Invaders in Norwich - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Coin Analysis Activity
  • Anglo-Saxon and Viking Street Names Activity

Extended Task: Can you produce a fact file about Boudica?

Question 3 – Why did Norwich become such an important medieval city?

  • Medieval Norwich - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Norwich Population Activity
  • Significant Buildings Activity

Extended Task: Could you create an information booklet about one of Norwich’s significant medieval buildings?

Question 4 – What famous businesses and brands come from Norwich?

  • Industrial Norwich - PowerPoint Presentation
  • History Detectives – Earlham Road Activity
  • Start-rite Adverts Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about where one of Norwich’s famous brands was based?

Question 5 – What happened in Norwich during the World Wars?

  • Norwich World Wars - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Mile Cross Estate Activity
  • Norwich Bomb Damage Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about life in Norwich during the wars?

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To learn about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
  • To make inferences from archaeological evidence
  • To investigate aspects of local history and how it relates to a national story
  • To develop a sense of pride in where they live
  • To develop skills in chronology using timelines and historical information
  • To create reasoned and evidentially supported judgements
  • Establish clear narratives within and across the periods studied

Prior knowledge

  • No prior knowledge is required, all information is provided.

Extended learning and useful links

Also of interest

Local History Packs