96 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF NORWICH AND DISTRICT 
in connection with the electrical ‘ grid ’ system by means of the ‘ Heyland 
Exciter,’ produced in collaboration with the world-famous engineer, Dr. 
Alexander Heyland of Belgium. Electric ‘machinery for Diesel electri€ 
railway work is a further development, and another interesting line is 
electric trawl winches for use on Diesel trawlers. These have been 
developed to a greater extent abroad than in England, and a number have 
been made particularly for French owners. 
One of the most modern of Norwich industries is the manufacture of 
industrial and domestic electric heating apparatus. ‘This was inaugurated 
in 1920, when the business started with ten hands in a corrugated iron 
warehouse. Six years later larger premises were required and the staff 
had grown to over one hundred. In 1934 the premises were practically 
re-modelled, and the business now employs between three hundred and 
four hundred skilled hands, including fitters, turners, moulders, sheet 
metal workers, electric and acetylene welders, coppersmiths, chromium 
and other metal platers, winders, wiremen, painters, packers, and others. 
The principal product is the Heatrae Electric Water Heater, which is sent 
all over the world and is stocked by the electrical undertakings of many 
British municipalities. Material is also supplied to the specialised 
requirements of H.M. Navy and other war departments. 
(4) NORWICH TEXTILES 
The high reputation of Norwich textiles carries back through many 
centuries. In medieval times the industry, which was then confined 
almost entirely to wool, continually received fresh impetus through the 
arrival of skilled immigrants from the Low Countries ; and in the prosperous 
times which followed, Norwich became the second city of the realm. 
Troubles between the Flemish immigrants and the inhabitants were 
not infrequent, and in 1565 the Duke of Norfolk successfully petitioned 
Queen Elizabeth to grant protection and authorise the Dutchmen to 
exercise their manufactures of tapestries. Meanwhile the variety and 
excellence of their arts steadily grew. New arrivals brought fresh ideas 
and, by their skill as weavers and dyers, the most gorgeous fabrics were 
produced in silks, satins, velvets and brocades. 
A strict code of rules was drawn up by the Privy Council and 
‘Sealing Halls’ were established in which the finished article came 
under the expert eye of the ‘ Sealer.’ The latter classified and stamped 
or ‘sealed’ the articles according to the standard of quality attained. 
The manufactures were carried out largely in the workers’ houses, all 
the necessary appliances for weaving, together with the raw material, 
being supplied by the merchant. It is instructive to note that the earnest 
endeavour of these wise men was evidently to ensure honest, and so far 
as it was possible, perfect work. ‘To this far-seeing policy can be fairly 
ascribed the renown of Norwich-made goods for many years. 
During the reign of George I. the silk industry was encouraged by 
special allowances on silk goods exported. ‘There was, however, some © 
abuse of this privilege on the part of some of the manufacturers of fabrics 
— 
