At the heart of Norwich, Tombland is now home to some great restaurants, pubs and cocktails bars.

The busy hub also houses Norwich Cathedral, which has played host to many historic events over the centuries.

Norwich Evening News: The Queen is greeted on her arrival at the Cathedral by the Bishop of Norwich. Date: 1951The Queen is greeted on her arrival at the Cathedral by the Bishop of Norwich. Date: 1951 (Image: EDP Library)

The name 'Tombland' stems from two Old English words meaning 'empty space' - and the area was originally the site of an Anglo-Saxon market.

Norwich Evening News: Trees in Tombland, dated May 7, 1953.Trees in Tombland, dated May 7, 1953. (Image: Archant Library)

Norwich Evening News: Tombland looking at Augustine Steward House from Erpingham Gate, dated January 25, 1960.Tombland looking at Augustine Steward House from Erpingham Gate, dated January 25, 1960. (Image: Archant Library)

Norwich Evening News: Camera and lights in the aisles of Norwich Cathedral for Songs of Praise dated November, 1975.Camera and lights in the aisles of Norwich Cathedral for Songs of Praise dated November, 1975. (Image: Archant)

Notable events in Tombland's history include the royal visits and the day cameras and lights took to the aisles of Norwich Cathedral back in November, 1975.

The winter day saw choirs from Norwich schools took part in Songs of Praise filmed by the BBC outside broadcasts unit.

Norwich Evening News: Motorcycle parking in Tombland, dated October 7, 1975.Motorcycle parking in Tombland, dated October 7, 1975. (Image: Archant Library)

Norwich Evening News: Tombland, looking towards the Maids Head Hotel, dated August 29, 1990.Tombland, looking towards the Maids Head Hotel, dated August 29, 1990. (Image: Archant Library)

Tombland is also home to the Maid's Head Hotel, which has been welcoming guests since the 12th century.

It is thought to be the oldest hostelry in England, built to house important guests to the Cathedral.

Over the centuries, it has sheltered such famous names as Elizabeth I, Edward the Black Prince, and Catherine of Aragon.

Norwich Evening News: Two stalls in Tombland which were the cause of some controversy, dated October 9, 1963.Two stalls in Tombland which were the cause of some controversy, dated October 9, 1963. (Image: Archant Library)

Further afield these two stalls were the subject of some controversy in Tombland.

The Markets Committee of Norwich City Council ordered the stalls to be replaced by caravan-style units which were are easily moveable.

Traders were told that the stalls pictured had to be removed by the end of October, 1963.

But two of them stated that their new stalls would not be ready before Christmas that year.

Norwich Evening News: Tombland, looking towards the Cathedral, dated November 19, 1990.Tombland, looking towards the Cathedral, dated November 19, 1990. (Image: Archant Library)

Norwich Evening News: Tombland, at the junction of Prince's Street, dated April 2, 1985.Tombland, at the junction of Prince's Street, dated April 2, 1985. (Image: Archant Library)

Norwich Evening News: Autumn in Tombland, dated October 15, 1969.Autumn in Tombland, dated October 15, 1969. (Image: Archant Library)