Norfolk Day in England Date in the current year: July 27, 2024

The county of Norfolk is located in East Anglia and is bordered by Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. The county town is Norwich; it is also regarded as the chief city of East Anglia. Other major towns in the county include Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, and Thetford.

In pre-Roman times, the territory of what is now Norfolk was inhabited by the Iceni, one of the many indigenous Celtic tribes of Great Britain. During the Roman conquest of Britain, they revolted against the invaders twice, first in 47 AD and then again in 60 AD. The second revolt was led by the legendary queen Boudicca, who is considered a folk heroine even though the uprising failed.

Romans controlled the region for three and a half centuries. After they left, the area that was to become Norfolk was settled by Anglo-Saxon tribes. For the majority of the Anglo-Saxon period, the region was part of the kingdom of the East Angles. The first mention of the name “Norfolk” dates back to the mid-11th century. It can be roughly translated as “the northern people”.

In 1066, England was conquered by Normans led by William the Conqueror. Much of Norwich was destroyed during the conquest, and then again during the Revolt of the Earls. The town was slowly rebuilt after the revolt and gradually developed into a prosperous international port.

By the 14th century, Norfolk had become one of the most densely populated regions of England, largely due to its fertile soles and well-developed agriculture, as well as the growing woolen industry. Sadly, the Black Death, several large fires, and the War of the Roses took a toll on Norwich in the 15th century.

During the reign of Edward VI, thousands of people led by Robert Kett rebelled against the enclosure of land by wealthy landowners. Although Kett’s Rebellion was crushed by royal forces, it is considered one of the most significant events in the history of Norfolk.

Agriculture plays an important role in Norfolk’s economy to this day; over 20% of employment in the county is in agriculture and the food industry. The county also has an energy hub, as well as advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Tourism is also one of the most important sectors of the local economy.

The celebration of Norfolk Day was initiated by BBC Radio Norfolk and the Eastern Daily Press in 2018. The initiative was officially backed by William, Duke of Cambridge, who emphasized that he had a “special personal connection” to the county. William’s mother, Princess Diana, was born in Sandringham, and he and his wife Catherine were given Anmer Hall in Norfolk as a wedding gift by Queen Elizabeth II.

Norfolk Day is marked by parades, picnics, parties, fairs, concerts, contests and competitions, exhibitions, special guided tours, and other events and activities celebrating the rich history and culture of Norfolk.