Norfolk

Norfolk is a picturesque county in East Anglia. It is renowned for its stunning coastline, characterized by dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and serene marshes. The county's rich history is evident in its medieval cathedrals, historic market towns, and grand country estates. While primarily rural, Norfolk boasts vibrant cities like Norwich, known for its cultural offerings and historic architecture.

The population of Norfolk is 925,299 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Norfolk's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.7% per year. Norfolk covers an area of 5,380 square kilometres (2,077 square miles) and has a population density of 172 people per square kilometre (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[1]

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Norfolk landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsNorfolk landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

The Norfolk Coast National Landscape is a distinctive region encompassing 453 square kilometers of diverse topography, including rolling chalkland and glacial moraine. This area serves multiple purposes, including nature conservation, agriculture, recreation, tourism, and industry. However, its coastal position renders it vulnerable to various pressures, such as recreational disturbance, infrastructure development, and the impacts of climate change.^[2] The landscape of Norfolk county, England is gently undulating with arable land enclosed by winding lanes and hedgerows, interspersed with woodland and heath and dissected by river valleys.^[3] The most impressive glacial landform is the Cromer Ridge, and the glacial sediments are exposed in the cliffs at the coast.^[4]

The key sectors of Norfolk county industry are of national importance and are spearheading growth. Norfolk has a powerful energy hub on the east coast, advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities and a world-class food, life-science and agri-tech cluster. Tourism is one of the greatest and oldest economic contributors and supports more than 54,000 jobs and contributes about £2.8bn to the local economy.

Over 20% of employment lies in the agriculture and food industries. Much of the county’s flat arable land is still farmed today and produces sugar beet, wheat, barley (for brewing) and oil seed rape.^[5]

Norfolk in East Anglia is known for its man-made "broads," a network of waterways created by peat digging that are now a popular area for boating and wildlife observation, making it a unique feature of the region. The Broads are part of the Broads National Park, offering a protected wetland area with diverse wildlife.^[6] The towns of Norwich and Cromer are tourists' destinations. Sandringham Royal Estate is the much-loved country retreat of Their Majesties The King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Blickling Hall is known for its Jacobean architecture, landscaped gardens, and rich history.

Norfolk historyNorfolk history

Norfolk's history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Paleolithic settlers dating back 950,000 years.^[7] The region was later inhabited by the Iceni tribe, a Celtic people who would later revolt against Roman rule under Queen Boudica.^[8]

The Romans conquered the area in the 1st century AD, establishing towns and roads. However, the Iceni's rebellion in AD 60-61 caused significant destruction. After the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century, Anglo-Saxon tribes, primarily the Angles, settled in the region, forming the Kingdom of East Anglia.

During the Middle Ages, Norfolk prospered, particularly due to the wool trade. Norwich became a significant city, and many grand churches and cathedrals were built. The county also witnessed significant social and economic changes, including the Black Death in the 14th century and Kett's Rebellion in 1549, a protest against land enclosures.

The 16th century brought religious upheaval with the Reformation. Norfolk played a role in the English Civil War, siding with the Parliamentarians.^[9] The 17th and 18th centuries saw Norfolk's traditional industries, such as agriculture and textiles, continue to thrive.^[10] The county was relatively unaffected by the Industrial Revolution, which transformed other parts of England.^[11]

The 19th century brought significant changes to Norfolk. The agricultural sector underwent reforms, and the county's coastal towns, such as Great Yarmouth, developed as popular seaside resorts. The railway network expanded, connecting Norfolk to other parts of the country.^[12]

The 20th century saw Norfolk's economy diversify, with the growth of tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The county experienced significant population growth, particularly in the post-war period. In recent decades, Norfolk has faced challenges such as coastal erosion and the decline of traditional industries. However, it remains a popular destination for tourists and a thriving agricultural region.^[13]

Norfolk parishes and unparished areasNorfolk parishes and unparished areas

Norfolk has a three-tier structure with a county level, a district level, and a parish level. Norfolk is then sub-divided into seven district, borough and city councils. The districts are Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk Norfolk has 540 civil parishes. The cities of King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth, and Norwich are unparished.

Norfolk geographyNorfolk geography

Norfolk county is distinctive in many ways. Surrounded by water on all sides, it comprises almost an island. The Wash and Fens form the western boundary, with the River Little Ouse and River Waveney in the south and the vast North Sea embracing the eastern and northern stretches.^[14] The county is generally low-lying, with the exception of the sandy heathlands of Breckland in the southwest. There are chalk outcrops in western Norfolk, and, in the eastern half of the county, chalk is overlain by later deposits. Along the northwest edge of the county, clays and sandstones older than the chalk are exposed.^[15]

Researching family history in NorfolkResearching family history in Norfolk

The Norfolk Family History Society has around 4,000 members from all around the world researching their ancestors in Norfolk. The Norfolk Record Office has web page with links to family history resources. The Family History Directory has a Norfolk Family History page. Free UKGenealogy has free transcribed records.

Ethnicities in NorfolkEthnicities in Norfolk

The demographic distribution of the Norfolk population is as follows:^[16]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Norfolk is predominantly white (94.7%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 5.3% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Norfolk accounting for 2.1% of the population. 8,369 or 1% of the Norfolk population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Norfolk, 2021 census

White - 867,151 people or 94.7%
Asian - 18,992 people or 2.1%
Mixed - 15,080 people or 1.6%
Black - 8,369 people or 0.9%
Other - 6,528 people or 0.7%

Surnames in NorfolkSurnames in Norfolk

The demographic distribution of Norfolk surnames is as follows:^[17]

Surname	Incidence	Frequency
Smith	13,011	1:68
Brown	5,974	1:147
Taylor	4,617	1:191
Wright	4,425	1:199
Jones	3,853	1:229
Clarke	3,559	1:247
Green	3,467	1:254
Moore	3,435	1:256
King	2,924	1:301
Wilson	2,858	1:308

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[1] Norfolk Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[2] National Landscapes - Norfolk Coast

[3] Central North Norfolk - Description

[4] The Cromer Ridge, Norfolk - a high point of the East of England

[5] Norfolk History | History & Culture | Discover Norfolk

[6] The Broads National Park // Broads National Park

[7] Lower-and-Middle-Palaeolithic-Norfolk-(Period-Overview) - Norfolk Heritage Explorer

[8] Iceni | Celtic Tribe, Iron Age & Britain | Britannica

[9] The Sixteenth Century

[10] BBC - History - British History in depth: Agricultural Revolution in England 1500 - 1850

[11] Norfolk: 17TH Century

[12] Tough times: life in Norfolk England in the 18th and 19th centuries.

[13] Norfolk: 20TH Century

[14] Just how different was Norfolk?

[15] Norfolk | England, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica

[16] Norfolk Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[17] Most Common Surnames in Norfolk, With Meanings

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