Norwich Castle
1067-1075
Norwich Castle is one of the finest surviving secular Norman buildings in Europe. The Castle mound is the largest in the country. From the 14th to the 19th century the keep was used as a county gaol. The Castle was converted to a museum in 1894.
Norwich Cathedral
1096-1145
Most of Norwich Cathedral's Norman architecture is still intact and it forms one of the finest examples of the Romanesque style in Europe. Norwich Cathedral has the highest Norman tower (40 meters) and largest monastic cloisters in England, as well as a unique and world-renowned collection of medieval roof carvings.
The Assembly House
1754-1755
The Assembly House is a Georgian building designed by the architect Thomas Ivory. It incorporates the original layout of a previous building, the medieval college of St Mary in the Fields. Today the rooms appear almost exactly as they did at the height of the Regency period, and are used for exhibitions, concerts, conferences and weddings.
St James Mill
1836 - 1839
St James Mill is the archetypal English Industrial Revolution mill in perhaps an unexpected part of teh UK. It was built on a site occupied by the White Friars (Carmelites) in the 13th century, and an orginal arch and undercroft survive. Jarrolds have twice been owners of the mill the last purchase being in 1933, today it is a private office complex.
The Great Hospital
1249
Norwich's Great Hospital has been in continuous use as a caring institution since it was founded for the care of poor chaplains in the 13th century. The six-acre complex of buildings and extensive archives provide a unique living history of the last 750 years. The site includes the ancient parish church of St Helen and Eagle Ward with its lavishly decorated 'eagle ceiling', originally the chancel of the church. Today the hospital provides sheltered housing and a residential care home.
The Halls - St Andrew's and Blackfriar's
1307 - 1470
St Andrew's Hall is the centrepiece of several magnificent flint buildings, know as The Halls, which form the most complete friary complex surviving in England. During the reformation, the site was saved by the City Corporation which bought it from the king for use as a 'common hall'. Since then the complex has been used for worship, as a mint and as a workhouse. Today the two halls, crypt, chapel and cloisters host conferences, fairs, weddings and concerts.
St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
1884 - 1910
St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral is a particularly fine example of 19th-century Gothic revival architecture. Designed in the Early English style by George Gilbert Scott Junior, St John's contains some of the finest 19th-century stained glass in Europe. It also has a wealth of Frosterley marble and exquisite stone caving.
Surrey House
1900 - 1912
Surrey House, the historic home of Aviva (formally Norwich Union), is a spectacular piece of Edwardian architecture by George Skipper. He was commissioned by The Norwich Union Life Insurance Society's directors to produce a 'splendid yet functional office space', incorporating Greek influences and the themes of insurance, protection and wellbeing. The building has a commanding Palladian exterior and an interir adorned with 15 varieties of marble, classically inspired frescos and a stunning glass atrium.
The Guildhall
1407 - 1424
The elaborate design and size of the Guildhall reflect Norwich's status as one of he wealthiest provincial cities in England in medieval times. The building represents the growing ecomomic and political power of the new ruling elite that was emerging - wealthy freemen who were merchants and traders. Norwich was given more self-governing powers in 1404 and the Guildhall was built to house the various civic assemblies, councils and courts that regulated its citizens' lives.
Dragon Hall
1427 - 1430
Dragon Hall is a medieval trading hall, built by Robert Toppes, a wealthy locla merchant, for his business. The first floor of the 27 metre timber-framed hall has an outstanding crown post roof with a beautifully carved dragon, which gives te building its name. After Toppes' death, the building was converted for domestic use and then, in the 19th century, subdivided into shops, a pub and tenements. Today Dragon Hall is a heritage attraction open to visitors and is a unique venue for weddings, private and corporate functions, and performances.
City Hall
1936 - 1938
Norwich City Hall was build whenthe Guildhall abd existing municipal offices could no longer accommodate the growth in local government duties in the early 20th century. City Hall has an exceptional art deco interior and many fine architectural features, including a top-floor cupola, rich in mahogany panelling and one of the longest balconies in England.
The Forum
1999 - 2001
The Forum is the landmark millennium project for the East of England and a striking example of post-war architecture. Funded by a Millennium Commission grant and matching support from Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and the business community, it houses the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium and the 2nd Air Division Memorial Libraries BBC East's regional headquarter, Norwich Tourist Information Centre, a shop, a cafe, restaurant, Fusion - a giant digital gallery, BBC open studio and The Curve auditorium.
Visit the Norwich 12 website for images and more historical information, plus details of events, projects, education activities and accessibility.
Thank you to HEART for providing the information on this page.