Explore the lives of Bengali and Sylheti-speaking communities living and working in the Cathedral and King St quarters of Norwich.
Follow the walking trail and scan the QR code at each marked location to hear a first-hand account of the lives of residents: their memoires of migration, of growing up as second and third-generation Bengalis, and of how Norwich has changed over time.
There are 14 excerpts in total for you to enjoy — the full audio and transcripts of each are available on our website and from the Norfolk Record Office.
Cross the footbridge over Grapes Hill and make your final stop at the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, the Roman Catholic cathedral of Norwich.
Makhduma Akhter
‘Now, happily, we are part of quite a large and thriving Bengali community here in Norwich. We are always looking for a chance to plan parties.’
Listen to the story of Makhduma Akhter, a busy care support worker and mum of three, and her
memories of first meeting her husband Zahidur at a family function in Khulna.
Zahidur Rahman
‘When we first came here, we didn’t know any Bengali families. Gradually, many people came to know us in a professional capacity, which soon led to our mingling with them socially also. Now our social circle is considerably wider, and our days in Norwich are filled with friendship, laughter and merry making.’
Finally, Zahidur Rahman shares his journey through cities across the world before settling in Norwich as a consultant in acute and emergency medicine.
Stories From the Quarter is a National Centre for Writing project in partnership with Norfolk Record Office, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. It aims to document and celebrate the stories of the vibrant and diverse communities that live and work in Norwich.
With special thanks to Mahbubar (Mash) Rahman, Shagufta Sharmeen, Ummay Honi Lethe, Access Creative College, Jason Wick at Goat Pen Studio, and Colin Fraser.
