Outside Norwich Cathedral’s arched entrance is a memorial to one of Britain’s bravest women. The likeness of Edith Cavell, in her nursing uniform, gazes over Tombland while a soldier, carved in relief, reaches up to hang a laurel garland honouring her extraordinary courage.

Born in 1865 and raised in the Norfolk village of Swardeston, Edith registered at The London Hospital School of Nursing in 1896. After qualifying she worked at various infirmaries, before starting the first professional school of nursing in Brussels in 1907. When the First World War broke out in 1914, Edith nursed soldiers from both sides of the conflict. Meanwhile, she joined the Belgian Resistance, sheltering well over 200 Allied soldiers, helping them escape into neutral Holland. But Edith was betrayed. She was arrested on 5^th August 1915, court-martialled and sentenced to death by firing squad. Ignoring the international outcry, Edith Cavell was shot at dawn on the 12^{th of} October 2015. Her last words were: ‘Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone.’

After the war her body was brought home to be given state funeral at Westminster Abbey, followed by a burial at Norwich Cathedral. In the east side of the grounds, a graveside service is held in her memory every 12^th October. If you go, afterwards raise a glass to this remarkable daughter of Norfolk in the Tombland pub that bears her name.