New website
We're currently redeveloping our website so you may see a mix of old and new style pages while we complete this work. We'd love to hear your feedback on the new style.
Norwich’s civic regalia - a proud legacy
Norwich is home to one of the finest collections of civic regalia in the UK. This impressive collection includes ceremonial swords, maces, and ornate chains worn by the Lord Mayor and Sheriff during official events.
A glimpse into the past
Back in the Middle Ages, the monarch held all political power, and the sword and maces weren’t just symbols - they were actual weapons. The maces, for example, were used by royal guards to clear crowds.
In 1404, King Henry IV granted Norwich a special charter, giving the city more control over its own affairs. From then on, the elected Mayor and Sheriffs were allowed to carry a sword and maces bearing the King’s arms - symbols of royal authority and civic pride.
These historic items, especially the magnificent sword and maces, are carefully preserved and now housed at the Norwich Castle Museum.
Chains of Office - old and new
The historic chains
In 1757, a wealthy dyer named Matthew Goss gifted beautifully crafted chains to the city. Since then, generations of Lord Mayors and Sheriffs have worn them at major civic events.
Because of their age and importance, these chains aren’t suitable for everyday use. So in 2016, new chains were commissioned for regular civic duties, while the original ones are reserved for special occasions like Mayor-Making.
The new chains
Local jewellers Sonkai were chosen to design the new chains. Their creation beautifully blends Norwich’s rich history with its modern identity. The design features 18 unique motifs, each telling a story about the city’s culture, heritage, and achievements.
These new chains are versatile - they can be worn with robes, daywear, or evening attire, and are inclusive for all genders. The crests of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff remain central to the design.
Funding for this project was generously provided by the Norwich Freeman and their Town Close Estate Charity.
Each motif on the new chains represents a key part of Norwich’s identity:
- angels – from the Lord Mayor’s crest and City Hall, symbolising civic leadership.
- aviation – honouring Norwich’s aircraft legacy, including Boulton and Paul.
- brewing and pubs – once boasting a pub for every day of the year!
- canary – a nod to the weaving trade and Norwich City Football Club.
- chocolate – from Caley’s to Rowntree and Gnaw, chocolate has sweetened the city’s history.
- mustard – Colman’s mustard, a world-famous export since 1858.
- Norwich castle – a Norman royal palace turned museum and gallery.
- Freemen of Norwich – once the city’s traders and governors.
- Guildhall – a medieval civic building, still standing proud.
- Kett’s rebellion – a 1549 uprising for land rights led by Robert Kett.
- lion – part of the city’s crest, symbolising strength and heritage.
- literature – Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature with a thriving literary scene.
- mint – a thousand years ago, Norwich had its own mint.
- Norwich market – operating for over 900 years, still bustling today.
- printing – home to England’s first printing press.
- shoe and leather industry – innovators of mass shoe production.
- Snap the dragon – a beloved civic mascot from medieval times.
- castle motif – representing Norwich’s iconic castle.
To learn more about the artists behind the new civic chains, visit the Sonkai website.
