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Norwich War Memorial - a place of remembrance and reflection
The city’s War Memorial and Roll of Honour stand not only as tributes to the fallen, but as enduring symbols of remembrance, resilience, and peace.
Standing proudly in the heart of Norwich, the War Memorial is more than just a landmark - it’s a powerful symbol of remembrance, honouring the thousands of lives lost in conflict. It serves as the focal point for the city’s commemorative events, especially during Remembrance Day.
A memorial reimagined
As part of a £2.6 million restoration project, the memorial and its surrounding gardens were beautifully refurbished. One of the most striking changes was the repositioning of the memorial to face St Peter’s Street and City Hall - fulfilling a long-standing wish of local veterans to make parades and ceremonies more accessible and meaningful.
Originally unveiled in 1927 at the eastern end of The Guildhall, the memorial was designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was later moved to the newly created memorial gardens in 1938.
The Roll of Honour: a unique tribute
With 3,544 men from Norwich lost in World War I, the memorial couldn’t hold all their names. Lutyens was commissioned to design a Roll of Honour - a series of oak panels with each name carefully painted. This unique tribute was first placed in the Keep at Norwich Castle and has since been fully restored and relocated to the main foyer of City Hall, where it can be viewed by appointment.
Restoration and renewal
By 2004, the memorial and gardens were in urgent need of repair. NPS Architectural Group led the restoration, turning the memorial to face City Hall and reviving the gardens with new paving and features. The project was deeply rooted in community sentiment and historical respect.
Art for Peace: ‘Breath’ by Paul de Monchaux
Complementing the memorial is ‘Breath’, a striking bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Paul de Monchaux. Weighing two tonnes, it stands behind the memorial facing Norwich Market, commemorating all victims of war and promoting peace.
The rededication ceremony on 11 November 2010 was a moving moment for the city, bringing together generations in remembrance.
Hidden histories
Embedded within the memorial are two caskets - one copper, one zinc. The copper casket contains the names of Norwich’s fallen from WWI. The zinc casket remains unopened, its contents a respectful mystery.
Memorial facts
- Gold leaf: 23.5 carat gold was used to restore the flambeaux and flagpoles.
Flagpoles: Each weighs around 35kg. - ‘Breath’ sculpture: made of patinated bronze, weighing two tonnes.
Materials: The memorial is Portland stone; the garden paving is Crossland Hill Yorkstone. - Artistic detail: bronze reliefs at the base of the flagpoles depict “peace and plenty,” though the artist remains unknown.
Explore further
- Norwich Roll of Honour: view the full list of names on Flickr or via the War Memorials Online website.
- Learn more: visit War Memorials Trust and Norfolk Museums for deeper insights into Norwich’s wartime history.
