City of Norwich coat of arms planning meeting

Location: Norwich Guildhall, Guildhall Hill, Norwich, NR2 1JS

Map showing location of Norwich Guildhall

Norwich's coat of arms was adopted around the 15th century. It can be seen in various forms all over the city.

There is a 15th century example of the coat of arms on the east end of the Guildhall. You can also see a later version of the coat of arms on the Norwich War Memorial on St Peters Street, opposite City Hall.

Listen to the poem

Read the poem

So how should the lion stand, then?

In the royal fashion, of course.

So can we copy the royal coat, then?

Well no, of course, we'll need something different, of course. 

So what are you suggesting, then?

Perhaps we opt for just the one lion?

As opposed to the three the King still uses?

Yes, of course, we'd need to not be like the King. 

So how should the lion stand, then?

In the royal fashion, as I said, of course. 

That won't be copying, then?

It will be honouring, of course. 

And what should we do about the castle?

The castle?

Our other powerful symbol - you said you wanted powerful symbols.

I suppose we can include the castle.

And what should the castle look like, then?

The castle should look like a castle, of course. 

Should the castle look like our castle, then?

Of course, it should try to look like our castle.

We agree, but you see, on the mock up you've done, 
this castle is domed, and we've noticed some glass-makers
and stonemasons eyeing the round tops, 
and we're hoping to put a stop 
to that frivolity but it seems that horse has left 
the stable, so to speak, or should I say lion, haha,
but seriously, what shall we do about the shape of the castle?

Unimportant, I think, so long as the lion underneath 
is always facing down the observer. 

To show our strength, of course.

Follow the trail

Go to St Gregory's Church for poem 8: In the lion's mouth