Arboretum

In the 18th century the Chapel Field was enclosed by railings and the lessee Sir Thomas Churchman planted the three avenues of elms along the sides, which are shown in the King’s Map of Norwich of 1766. A century later public subscription raised money for the laying out of public gardens and the Mayor, Harry Bullard Esq. officially opened the Chapelfield Gardens in 1880.

Since then the Corporation, and later the City Council, gradually replaced Churchman’s elms as they reached the end of their lives with native limes and planes, retaining the original layout, and planted additional species to produce what is recognised as one of the most interesting arboreta to be seen in a city centre.

In all there are over 190 trees representing some 45 native and foreign species, some examples of which are shown.

Click on the thumbnail pictures for larger view and information on the species