A Norwich Bestiary poetry trail

by writer Daisy Henwood

A Norwich Bestiary is a collection of poems inspired by the animals found in the museum's collections, around the city, or imagined into key moments in Norwich's past.

Our poetry trail takes you on a tour of historic locations across Norwich, starting at Norwich Castle. We encourage you to pause at each stop to read or listen to the poems.

View a map showing all locations on the poetry trail

Webpages in the Norwich Bestiary poetry trail section

1: In 1075 Emma de Gauder held this castle against the king

2. A crane has arrived to sit on the castle

3. A stag ponders his place on the Buxton Achievement

7: City of Norwich coat of arms planning meeting

9: Swithin, or Strong Bear Cub

11: Thomas Erpingham's coat of arms is everywhere if you look

12: In the cathedral, after dark

13: Receipt for the building of Cow Tower

14: At the edge of the jurisdiction of the City of Norwich

15: Robert Toppes - Mayor of Norwich, builder of Dragon Hall

16: Julian of Norwich as three birds

See more (Go to Webpages in the Norwich Bestiary poetry trail section)

About A Norwich Bestiary

Medieval bestiaries were books containing descriptions of real and imaginary animals. These descriptions were accompanied by fantastical illustrations and stories intended to teach moral lessons as well as entertain.

Daisy Henwood is one of three writers in residence appointed as part of our Royal Palace Reborn project. Their aim is to bring medieval Norwich to life for different audiences.

Daisy worked with young people aged 14-18 through workshops inspired by medieval bestiaries. Together, they created a bestiary for Norwich.

Illustrations have been provided by Zoe, Oskar, Florence, Mabel, Kitty, Pepper, Catriona, Vesper and Phoenix.