Great Yarmouth has its origins in Roman times. Its geographical position made it a very attractive settlement for fishermen and tradesmen alike. After the Romans left Britain, Great Yarmouth continued to be a  hotspot for fishing and trade.

During the French Revolutionary Wars, the town was the primary supply point for the North Sea Fleet. This scenario was repeated in 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars. In later years, the Royal Navy would also use Great Yarmouth as its base.  Part of an Ordnance Yard survives from this period on Southtown Road. 

During World War I, Great Yarmouth suffered the first aerial bombardment in the UK in 1915. The town suffered further bombing by the Germans during World War II, but much is left of the origianal town, including over 1000m of protective medieval wall. On the South Quay, a 17th-century Merchant house has survived, as well as many Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings. Behind the South Quay, you’ll find a maze of alleys and lanes known as ‘the Rows’. 

In recent years, Great Yarmouth has been the victim of floods. The town was badly affected by the North Sea flood of 1953. In 2006, torrential rain caused a flash flooding in which 90 properties were severely damaged.