Norwich in Norfolk, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Romani DNA

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2026

1. Romani DNA Marker

Inscription. A skeleton discovered during excavations of an 11th century graveyard near this spot has been found to have a mitochondrial DNA marker unique to the Romani people. This is the earliest evidence for a person of Romani descent in the British Isles, and is 400 years earlier than any documentary reference to their presence.

Erected by Norwich Heart.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Anthropology & Archaeology.

Location. 52° 37.576′ N, 1° 17.798′ E. Marker is in Norwich, England, in Norfolk. It is on Golden Ball Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18 Golden Ball Street, Norwich, England NR1 3EH, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Anglia.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker: 33 Timberhill (within shouting distance of this marker); Cattle Market Street (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); All Saints, Westlegate (about 90 meters away); Baptist Particular Chapel (about 90 meters away); The Bassingham Gateway (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); St Christopher's Church (approx. half a kilometer away); Elm Hill (approx. half a kilometer away); United Reformed Church (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norwich.

Also see . . . A Guide to Norwich’s Blue Plaques (Visit Norwich). Excerpt:

…a plaque on Golden Ball Street honours Romani DNA which was discovered during the construction of Castle Quarter in the early 1990s. Belonging to a skeleton from the 10th or 11th century, it’s the earliest evidence of Romani people in England.

(Submitted on October 21, 2026.)

Additional keywords. blue plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.