One of Norwich's oldest pubs has a new sign that nods to its colourful history and features two familiar faces.

While most people know it as The Murderers, Timber Hill's most popular drinking spot is officially called the Gardeners Arms and it has been a pub since at least 1841. 

It got its infamous nickname in 1895, when the landlady Maria Wilby's daughter, Millie Miles, was murdered by her estranged husband and former soldier Frank Miles.

Norwich Evening News: Phil Cutter shows off the new pub sign at The Murderers in Norwich Picture: Denise BradleyPhil Cutter shows off the new pub sign at The Murderers in Norwich Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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He was sentenced to death by hanging, but this was commuted to a prison term after 10,000 people in Norwich signed a petition. 

The new sign at the front of the pub, painted by local artist Darren Smith, nods to its two names, with The Murderers side depicting the bloody event of 1895. 

Norwich Evening News: The Gardeners Arms side of the new sign, featuring a cameo from landlady and landlord Sherie and Phil Cutter Picture: Denise BradleyThe Gardeners Arms side of the new sign, featuring a cameo from landlady and landlord Sherie and Phil Cutter Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

The Gardeners Arms side celebrates tradition with a twist and pub landlord Phil Cutter, 52, is depicted as Cain - the son of Adam and Eve.

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Norwich Evening News: Landlord Phil Cutter in front of the Gardeners Arms side of the new pub sign Picture: Denise BradleyLandlord Phil Cutter in front of the Gardeners Arms side of the new pub sign Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

His wife and the landlady Sherie Cutter, 53, is portrayed as the Demeter - the Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture. 

Mr Cutter said: "In 1977, the pub expanded and the landlords Douro Potter and Ray Lince approached the council to change its name to The Murderers.

Norwich Evening News: The Murderers side of the new sign in Timber Hill Picture: Phil CutterThe Murderers side of the new sign in Timber Hill Picture: Phil Cutter (Image: Phil Cutter)

"However, this was refused as the council wanted to keep the traditional name.

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"The pair had the idea to have a sign with the Gardeners Arms on one side and The Murderers on the other and that tradition has continued over the years."

Norwich Evening News: The installation under way on Wednesday of the new pub sign Picture: Phil Cutter The installation under way on Wednesday of the new pub sign Picture: Phil Cutter (Image: Phil Cutter)

The previous sign was blown down in May 2021 and removed due to damage, but two-and-a-half years later there is finally a new one.

Mr Cutter added: "The reaction to the new sign has been amazing, when it was installed on Wednesday we had at least 50 people stop outside to take pictures."

The original 1977 sign has also been hung up inside the pub with a plaque next to it.