New film celebrates Norwich's historic churches

Norwich’s unrivalled collection of historic cathedrals, churches and chapels has been celebrated with the launch of a new DVD.

A story of devotion, death, fire and reconciliation, the 73-minute Set in Stone chronicles the tumultuous life of the city’s merchants, sailors and warriors through their various places of worship.

Their rich history has left Norwich with one of the finest collection of historic architecture in northern Europe, including two cathedrals, the best-preserved friary church in England and 31 surviving medieval churches.

The film-makers said the DVD is a timely reminder of the need to defend the city’s heritage during a time of drastic cuts in public spending and grants to preservation bodies.

The film was scripted by Alec Hartley, former chairman of the Norwich Society and a director of the Norwich Preservation Trust. He told the EDP: “Maintaining and improving Norwich’s unique and wonderful heritage environment is as important to the city’s present and future prosperity as dualling the A11 or getting a proper train service from London. Part of the reason why Norwich flourishes economically is because of the quality of life in the city, and the historic built environment is a major part of that X factor which attracts workers and investors to come here.”

The DVD was launched at a Forum event attended by a host of civic dignitaries.

For more information on Set in Stone, visit www.easternassociates.com

Pictured above are Norwich's two cathedrals in a still from the DVD.