Dig sheds new light on Norwich’s medieval past

New light is being shone on a hugely significant part of the city’s history, as archaeologists excavate parts of a medieval friary which once rivalled Norwich Cathedral.

Skeleton in an uncovered tomb. The 18-week excavation of the site at St Annes Wharf, Norwich. 
The site, close to the river, has been a key area of activity since at least Saxon times. 
More recently, it has been occupied by a medieval Augustinian friary, which was 
dissolved in the 16th century. The site then passed to the Dukes of Norfolk, who
 built Howard House on the corner of King Street and Mountergate 
[Credit: Eastern Daily Press]

Human remains, coins, pottery, oyster shells, animal bones and painted glass have all been discovered by archaeologists working at St Anne’s Wharf - once the site of the 13th century Austin Friars Priory.

And that will provide new information about the religious order which arrived with nothing on marshland on the edge of Norwich and went on to become one of four monastic orders which transformed the city.

Of the houses which those monastic orders built, only St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Hall survives, so being able to explore where the Austin Friars were once based is providing important information on the city’s medieval past.

The work is taking place ahead of the development of the site, between King Street and the River Wensum, where Orbit Homes is building 437 homes.

Author: Dan Grimmer | Source: Eastern Daily Press [June 26, 2015]