For the kind assistance of the few individuals from whom information has been sought, many thanks are due; and it is but just to state, that all deficiences of matter or details, that may probably be felt by many, more familiar than the writer herself with the persons, places, and things, that make the sum and substance of her work, are referable alone to the difficulty she has experienced in selecting suitable materials to carry out her design, from the abundance placed at her disposal; a tithe of which might have converted her “rambles” into a heavy, weary “march,” along which few might have had patience to accompany her. To these few observations must be subjoined an expression of earnest and heartfelt thanks to the many liberal-minded individuals who have extended encouragement to this feeble effort of a perfect stranger. That some portion or other of the contents of her little volume may be found worthy their acceptance, is the fervent desire of THE AUTHORESS. NORWICH, January 1, 1853. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. INTRODUCTION PAGE 1 CHAP. II. THE CATHEDRAL 14 CHAP. III. THE CASTLE 62 CHAP. IV. THE MARKET-PLACE 117 CHAP. V. THE GUILDHALL 179 CHAP. VI. PAGEANTRY 227 CHAP. VII. SUPERSTITIONS 282 CHAP. VIII. CONVENTUAL REMAINS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 311 ERRATA. {0} Page 7, line 15, _for_ “these,” _read_ “those.” „ 8, line 10, _for_ “querus,” _read_ “querns.” „ 37, line 16, for “veriest,” _read_ “various.” „ 59, lines 24 and 26, _for_ “Hoptin,” _read_ “Hopkin.” „ 64, line 8, _for_ “spirit—powers,” _read_ “spirit-powers.” CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. Who that has ever looked upon the strange conglomerations of architecture that line the thoroughfares of an ancient city, bearing trace of a touch from the hand of every age, from centuries far remote,—or watched the busy scenes of modern every-day life, surrounded by solemnly majestic, or quaintly grim old witnesses of our nation’s’ infancy,—but has felt the Poetry of History that lies treasured up in the chronicles of an “Old City?”