Chapelfield

Once enclosed by 14th-century city walls, this is a place of stories. Priests once prayed here, archers once practised, and yeomen once trained to resist the Spanish Armada.

As you drive into the centre of Norwich, you might notice the old city walls around Chapelfield. These medieval walls were begun in 1297, encircling 2.5 miles of the city and included 12 defensive gates. It’s the city walls that give us the name ‘Chapelfield’. When they were built here in the 14^th century, they enclosed the field of St Mary’s Chapel – part of a monastery which was once on the site where the Theatre Royal now stands.

Since then, the area has seen many uses. In the 15^th century, you would have found jousting and archery practice here. Two centuries later, the area was a mass burial site for victims of the Great Plague. It was in 1880 that the ornamental gardens that you can now see, opened.

Chapelfield Gardens, a peaceful escape in the city centre, comes alive with fairs and events. It’s a spot for dog walkers and picnickers, for families to play, and friends to catch up over a coffee. In summer, find a colourful calendar of festivals here. This is where we start our iconic city centre 10k in September, and where you’ll find the heart of our Pride activity in June, whilst the Norfolk and Norfolk Festival in May is the oldest independent arts festival in the UK, and each year brings with it an enormous mirrored travelling tent.

Along Theatre Street, the prestigious Norwich Theatre Royal brings the best of the performing arts from around the world to its stage- whether it’s West End musicals, Olivier award winning plays, local productions, Shakespeare, ballet, dance and comedy. And the old chocolate factory that rose from WWII bombardment is now the site of our modern shopping centre, Chantry Place, home to high street heroes and favourite food chains.

Chapelfield is an area that perfectly balances our hustle and bustle with culture and creativity.