7 of the oldest businesses in Norfolk that have SURVIVED

To celebrate, here is a round-up of seven of the oldest businesses that are still running across the county.

1. Jarrolds

People celebrating the 1995 Norwich Christmas lights switch-on outside Jarrolds in 1995 (Image: Newsquest Library)

Jarrolds first launched in 1770 and was initially focused on shopkeeping.

Over the 19th and 20th centuries, it evolved to become a leading printer and publisher.

Today, it is best known as a retailer and its main department store is one of the city's best-loved shops.

2. Roys

'Roys of Wroxham' in Hoveton, 1981 (Image: Newsquest Library)

Roys was founded by brothers Alfred and Arnold Roy in 1895.

It began its life as a general store based in Coltishall which proved so successful that the family broadened their horizons.

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Today, the firm runs department stores in Hoveton, North Walsham, Dereham, Norwich and Thetford in Norfolk and Beccles and Sudbury in Suffolk.

There is also a separate food hall and toy shop in Hoveton.

3. Bakers and Larners

Bakers and Larners in 2005 (Image: Newsquest Library)

Bakers and Larners is a family-run department store that can be found in the centre of Holt.

It was taken over by the Baker family in the 1760s and has gone through many incarnations as a blacksmith, a brewer and a builders' merchant.

The CT Baker group employs more than 250 people across its four sites located in Aylsham, North Walsham, Stalham and Holt.

4. The Adam and Eve

An undated shot of the Adam and Eve (Image: Newsquest Library) The Adam and Eve pub sits close to the courts in Bishopgate, Norwich.

It dates back to 1249 when it started as a brewhouse for the builders who were constructing the cathedral.

It is still a popular drinking hole and its current landlady, Rita McCluskey, recently celebrated 24 years there.

5. Start-rite Shoes

Start-rite shoes being produced in Norwich in January 1974 (Image: Newsquest Library)

Start-rite has been making shoes for children and teenagers since it was founded by James Smith in Norwich in 1792.

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It is believed to be Britain's oldest shoemaker.

Start-rite received a Royal Warrant in 1955 and has made more than 1,500 pairs of shoes for young royals in the decades since. 

6. A & W Cushion

A&W Cushion Ltd is a timber merchant which has been operating in Norfolk for almost 200 years.

It has had a presence in Norwich for 180 years and in Great Yarmouth for almost 100 years.

7. Maids Head Hotel

The Maids Head Hotel in 1918 (Image: Newsquest Library)

The Maids Head Hotel, in Norwich's Tombland, claims to be the oldest hotel in the UK as it has been used for hospitality purposes since the 1090s.

The oldest parts of the existing building date back to the 15th century while the bar and the snug were added in the late 16th century.

It was a particularly successful coaching inn in the 18th century and still welcomes guests from all over the world today.