Norfolk and Suffolk are neighboring counties located in East Anglia, England. The two counties have been closely linked throughout their history. Below is a brief history of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to prehistoric times. Artifacts from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age have been found throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. In the Iron Age, the Iceni tribe controlled much of the area. Their famous queen, Boudica, led a rebellion against Roman rule in 60-61 AD.
After the Roman conquest, Norfolk and Suffolk became part of the Roman province of Britannia. Under the Saxons, the region was settled by the Angles in the 5th-6th centuries AD. Norfolk and Suffolk later comprised the Kingdom of East Anglia, which was eventually absorbed into the Kingdom of England.
For centuries, Norfolk and Suffolk had an agriculture-based economy. Wool was a major export during the Middle Ages. Fishing, particularly of herring, was also important for coastal communities.
Norwich emerged as the largest city and capital of Norfolk. Ipswich grew into an important port town in Suffolk. Other major towns included Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, and King's Lynn.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Norfolk and Suffolk were impacted by the Protestant Reformation and English Civil War. Religious dissenters and Puritans had a strong presence in the region.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw increasing urbanization and industrialization in Norfolk and Suffolk. The agriculture sector remained important, with large numbers of workers employed on farms and estates. Fishing also continued to thrive, especially in coastal towns.
During World War I, Norfolk was home to a large Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow. Airfields were also built that later became major RAF bases. In World War II, Norfolk and Suffolk were heavily impacted by the Luftwaffe bombing campaign.
Today, the local economy is more diverse, with tourism playing a major role. Though now part of the East of England region, Norfolk and Suffolk retain a distinct regional identity and rich shared history. Important industries include agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and energy. The area is known for its natural beauty, medieval churches, and coastal resort towns.
If you would like to know more about the history and the people of Norfolk and Suffolk, we always have a good selection of books available on the subject
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