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

Claret Ash

This Claret Ash, Fraxinus oxycarpa is a young specimen planted in a poor position and unlikely to Read more…

Pin Oak

A young Pin Oak, Quercus palustris. Deeply-lobed leaves turn red-brown in autumn and persist over the Read more…

Indian Bean Tree

Indian bean tree, Catalpa bignonioides, has broad leaves, purple when young, and white flowers in summer Read more…

Foxglove Tree

The Foxglove (also Princess) tree Paulownia tomentosa has large glossy leaves and abundant sprays of fragrant flowers Read more…

London Plane

The London plane Platanus x acerifolia has characteristic flaky bark and sharply lobed leaves, with spherical fruit Read more…

South Walk

The South Walk is an avenue of mature limes and planes with specimen trees including Read more…

Common Lime

Common lime Tilia x europaea has rounded dark green leaves and smallish yellow flowers in summer, said Read more…

Horse Chestnut

This common horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum is a vigorous specimen. (68′ 20.7m)

Pendant Silver Lime

The Pendant Silver lime Tilia petiolaris has pointed, heart-shaped leaves which are silver on the underside, so Read more…

Huntingdon Elm

This fine mature Huntingdon elm, Ulmus x vegeta, may be one of the survivors of Churchman’s Read more…