The Township of Norwich (population 11,000) is home to the communities of Oxford Centre (Gunn's Hill area), Burgessville, Otterville and the Town of Norwich. The Township is located south of Woodstock and east of Southwest Oxford Township. In tee early 1800's Peter Lossing and other members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) from Dutchess County in New York State moved to the area. A group of free Black settlers, from New York State, moved with the Quakers settling in Otterville area. Norwich Township played a role in many Canadian firsts including upper Canada's first cheese cooperative, free rural mail delivery and Canada's first female physician, Emily Stowe. Explore this local history at the Norwich & District Museum and historic sites in Otterville, including the African Episcopal Cemetery.
From the past to the present day you will find plenty to do in Norwich Township. A explore stops on the Oxford County Cheese Trail in Oxford Centre and the Gunn's Hill area (plus the Norwich Museum). Pack your cooler as Norwich Township offers a wide variety of farm producers from honey, to cheese, to berries, local beef and fresh from the field produce. Enjoy farm and cheese factory experiences. Travel by bike on paved and gravel roads past rural farmland - the further south the more flat the ride. After World War II to present day many Dutch immigrants have settled in the area. So be sure to taste Dutch specialties at local bakeries and restaurants. The area is also known for gbeef and a love of Brisket - so visit a local butcher. or BBQ. Be sure to also join residents for festival favourites including Norwich Nostalgia Days and the Norwich Truck and Tractor Pull. The small village of Otterville also draws crowds with car shows, reenactments and the Welcome Back to Otterville Studio Tour.
