The County of Norfolk is England's fourth largest (after Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Devon), and with its long coastline protruding boldly into the North Sea it has tended to become geographically isolated from the rest of England - particularly in former times when the flooded fenlands formed a barrier to the west. Its people have thus acquired a sense of independence, but apart from the revolt of Boadica against the Romans its history has been relatively peaceful, and there are few battlefields. In medieval times the County achieved great prosperity from the wool trade, leading to the building of some of England's finest churches. In Domesday it was the most populous county in England, but its population has since declined and there are said to be over 100 lost villages. NorfoIk was also a great seafaring county and developed strong links with the counties of northern Europe.

The Dutch influence can be seen in many buildings, and the influx of Flemish weavers led to a thriving textile industry. Fishing has declined in recent times but the ports of Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth still pursue an active deep water trade, and the fame of the Cromer crabs is undiminished.

Scenically the County has sometimes been described as flat and does not in fact rise much over 300 feet, but it offers great scenic interest - the dark forests of Breckland, the rolling chalklands of the northwest, the unique watery patchwork of the Broads, and a coastline of great variety. Ancient churches and picturesque villages are there in abundance, the latter often decorated with the attractive signs designed by Harry Carter in the 1950s.

More recently the North Coast has become a popular destination for weekenders and second-home owners. This influx of visitors has added a new affluence; old inns have been developed into gastro-pubs and galleries have opened selling contemporary art. The interest in locally-caught fish has boosted the lives of fisherman, who also use their boats to ferry naturalists to see the colonies of wild seals, offshore.

This MapGuide reflects the history and broad interest of this fascinating county, and is the undisputed, indispensable companion for getting around Norfolk.