Section of the ancient city walls at Carrow Hill

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 4 May 2018

The medieval city of Norwich was defended on its north, west and south sides by a high, flint wall and a deep outer ditch. Documentary evidence indicates that construction of the flint wall in its present form and on its present line was begun in about 1294 and was completed by the middle of the 14th century and it provided general security for the citizens. The walls had arrow slits and were almost 2m (7ft) thick and reached up to 7m (22ft) including the crenelated parapet wall, a walkway which ran the entire length on the inside, with a deep ditch protecting it on the outside. This outer ditch was, however, poorly maintained and has hence gradually been silting up or filling with rubbish for at least two centuries. The most complete section of city wall can be seen on the north side of Carrow Hill. The city walls had been built over a previous defensive bank and ditch. A number of towers, some of which have survived, were erected at strategical points and 11 gates gave access to approximately a square mile of land, which at the time made the city of Norwich larger than London's walled city. See also > https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Medieval-defences-of-the-City-of-Norwich

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