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.
Start your journey at Norwich Central Mosque, a vibrant and welcoming community hub that was once the site of the King Edward VII pub.
Shahid Akther
‘We feel very much a part of Norwich society. The social life and community support are outstanding here. There are so many events these days, and every opportunity to socialize is an opportunity to meet and get to know more lovely people.’
Discover how Shahid Akther’s love of the sea and experience as a ship captain brought him across the ocean to Norwich.
Sirajul Islam
‘Norwich then was lovely and calm. A historic city with an abundance of greenery, calmer than London. I fell in love with Norwich, and have never thought of moving out.’
Next, listen to Sirajul Islam, who left a rural life in Bangladesh to support his brother’s business. Together they own the popular Indian restaurant Ali Tandoori.
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.
