FORGOTTEN NORWICH
Our sleuth Emma, has been seeking out some of the forgotten buildings of Norwich. A brief look into the forgotten history of some of Norwich’s most interesting buildings.
Shoe Factory
Situated between Oak and Duke Street, the Shoe Quarter of St Mary's Works dates back to the early 1900's and was a pivotal location for the growing East Anglian shoe production industry. The factory was originally owned by Sexton Son & Everard and employed over 500 local people. At the time, only three other places – London, Leicester and Northampton – produced more shoes than Norwich, and St Mary's played a huge role in that production. By the 1960's however, international competition began to take it's toll and in 1982, Sexton Son & Everard closed its doors for the last time, resulting in 750 redundancies.
Today, the heritage of this amazing factory is being kept alive by the Shoe Factory Social Club, who annually run open days and exhibitions, displaying the important history this site played in our city. The factory also regularly hosts artisan markets, fairs and events, including the upcoming WildPaths Festival later this month. So keep an eye out for the next event so you can swing by and take a more in-depth look at this beautiful factory for yourself.
St. James Mill
St James Mill is an Industrial Revolution Mill built between 1836 – 1839. Situated on the River Wensum, this grade I listed building was erected in an attempt to prevent the local textile trade from collapsing. The site consisted of six buildings, two weaving sheds, two engine rooms a boiler house and of course the yarn mill itself. The only buidings that have survived is the engine room and the mill.
In the beginning of the 20th Century, printing company Jarrold & Sons bought the site. At the end of World War Two however, they sold the mill and it eventually became a Government Instructional Factory where injured soldiers returning from war were taught vital trades. Today, the mill is back in the hands of Jarrold & Sons and houses the company's head office and Jarrold Training. There is also a museum within the mill (at present), open to the public every Wednesday 9:30 – 12:30. Inside you will find original printing machinery and enthusiastic volunteers who will happily provide fascinating stories about how this beautiful building helped to shape the history of our city.
Words & Pictures Emma Creaton 26 / OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 /
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