Norwich city walls
| Norwich city walls | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Norwich city walls | |
| Location | Norwich, England |
| OS grid reference | TG 2317 0862 |
| Built | 1294–1343 |
The Norwich city walls are a set of medieval defensive walls, constructed over a period from 1294 until 1343, whose ruins surround most of the inner city of Norwich in England. Extending for 2.5 miles (4.0 km), the flint walls incorporated around 40 towers, such as the Boom Towers, Cow Tower and Black Tower, as well as 12 gates including the St Stephen's, Conisford and Bishop's gates. The area enclosed by the walls and River Wensum is larger than the City of London.
Over the subsequent centuries, the walls were subject to some conflict, sustaining damage from Kett's Rebellion in 1549. In 1556, the territory of Norwich was expanded beyond the city walls and they fell out of defensive use over time. Many of the gates were demolished in the 18th and 19th centuries, with most meeting this fate in 1793 and 1794.