28/05/2026
Did you know medieval was built around the winding River Wensum — and by the year 1300, nine bridges connected the city’s busy trading streets?
The Wensum made Norwich one of the richest cities in medieval England, famous for wool, weaving, and trade. Merchants, monks, and market traders crossed bridges like Bishop’s Bridge, Fye Bridge, and Whitefriars every single day.
Bishop’s Bridge, built in 1345, is still standing today and is one of the oldest bridges in England. Some crossings began as simple wooden walkways before becoming stone bridges as Norwich grew into England’s second city after London in medieval times.
The river wasn’t just beautiful — it was Norwich’s highway, defence system, and lifeline. Boats carried goods right through the city, and the bridges linked the bustling ‘Norwich-over-the-Water’ district with the cathedral, castle, and marketplaces.
Today, those bridges still tell the story of a city built on water, trade, and medieval power.
