Academic Scholars Learn About the History of 'Strangers' in Norwich
May 1, 2025
On Thursday 1st May Middle 5 Academic Scholars enjoyed a walking tour of Norwich with a ‘strange’ twist. Professor Christopher Joby (ON) guided the group around city streets within a stone’s throw of The Close to learn about the history of the ‘Strangers’ in our fine city.
Norwich has become known as a City of Sanctuary in recent years, welcoming refugees and families from around the world. However, as we learnt on this short trip, Norwich has had a reputation for welcoming ‘Strangers’ from other countries, and particularly persecuted communities, for at least five centuries. Pupils were astonished that streets so close to our school contain so much history- we stopped at 6 churches within the space of a few hundred meters. Even Norwich School’s very own Reynolds library featured since it was previously a chapel for the French strangers. This visit sparked much reflection on the part of the pupils and staff, considering the societal impact of these communities as well as their linguistic and cultural legacy.
This led to many follow-up questions from pupils, such as...
How do churches end up being named after people?
Did the strangers get taxed officially or was it more lowkey?
Why wouldn't the Strangers come over to Norwich with their families?
Where did the funding for all the churches come from?
Did anyone ever come looking for the persecuted Strangers?
How might the Strangers’ language have influenced the Norfolk dialect of today?
Plenty to ponder, speculate on and research!
I was fascinated by the history of the strangers, particularly how our very own Reynolds library, was previously a chapel for the French strangers. It has also enhanced my knowledge of catholic and Protestant tensions during the Tudor period. This trip greatly increased my appreciation of both Norwich School, and the city as a whole.
- Mrs Lucy ED Parkhouse

