Take an excursion North-east of the medieval city boundary of Norwich, and you might just come across Mousehold Heath, now sadly much smaller than its once extensive size, but still worth a visit even just for the views of Norwich nestled below. The heath was once kept clear of trees by grazing animals. Transformed by enclosure and farming much has been lost but the remnants of heath can still be found for those who search. Mousehold Heath is designated Local Nature Reserve and a County Wildlife site so look carefully as there are several scarce species living on the site, some of which will surprise you.
Not surprising there are many historical events that have taken place on the heath. Perhaps one of the most unsavoury dates to 1144 when false story that was circulated that a young apprentice boy named William was killed as part of a ritual murder by Jews. The local Sheriff was successful in protecting the innocent Jews from persecution by an angry mob, sadly another example of how rumours, lies and hatred can surface amongst neighbours. It is the first case of what was to become known as ‘blood libel’. The boy later attained the status of saint and martyr and a chapel built there to remember this lost child. Later the chapel was renamed St William in the Wood, although not much remains of the chapel its footprint can still be found on the heath.
Mousehold Heath holds a strategic position overlooking Norwich, so its not surprising that it’s had its share of military occupation. In 1381 during the Peasants’ Revolt a large meeting on the heath took place. On the 17 June local man Geoffrey Litster, was proclaimed “King of the Commons”. Although this was to be short lived as the rebellion was quashed at the Battle of North Walsham between the 25th & 26th June 1381.
In 1549 another rebellion began on 12 July 1549, during a period that became known as the ‘commotion time’. This was led by local landowner Robert Kett and his brother. It began as a protest about enclosures but soon turned into a full-scale insurgency, culminating in the capture of the city of Norwich. The rebels held control of the city for over a month, basing themselves at a camp on Mousehold Heath. Although their petitions for more acceptable treatment failed. After resisting one attempt to remove them, they were finally defeated by John Dudley, Earl of Warwick. Robert and William Kett were seized and taken to London, where they were condemned to death for treason. On 7 December 1549 Robert was executed at Norwich, and his body was hanged on the top of the castle, while that of William was hanged on the church tower at Wymondham. The Kett family line still survives to this day.
