Norwich Guildhall Tour

England's largest and most elaborate provincial medieval city hall. Norwich Guildhall was the centre of city government from the early 15th century until its replacement by City Hall in 1938. As well as various courts, a prison and a chapel, the building contained facilities for accounting and tax collection, accommodation for civic officials (it remains the home of the Sheriff's parlour today) and storage space for records, money and civic regalia. The Sheriff's Court was designed for meetings of the full medieval Council and now contains a virtually intact late Victorian courtroom. The Council Chamber is more elaborate with oak panelling, renaissance decorative woodwork and stunning stained glass – designed to impress from the start. The undercroft, beneath the east end, pre-dates the building and is thought to be an original feature of the earlier toll-house on this site. It was used to accommodate more dangerous criminals. The exterior provides an excellent example of the flint work that the city is so famous for.
Having more recently hosted cafes, the tourist information centre and an escape room, the majority of the building currently acts as an office and home to Norfolk & Norwich Festival which has just celebrated its 250th anniversary.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

11am

Monday 09 September:

11am

Thursday 12 September:

11am

Location & directions

The Guildhall, Gaol Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JS

Directions:

The entrance to the building is on the market side and half way up the hill. There is a doorbell you will need to ring.

Contact on day:

Sava Radulovic

Telephone number:

+441603877750

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking is required for this event. Tickets are available on the Norfolk & Norwich Festival website.

Booking contact name:

Norfolk & Norwich Festival

Booking telephone number:

+441603877750

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/hods-norwich-guildhall-tour/

Booking opens:

19 Aug 2024 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

05 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The tour takes you through the many spaces of Norwich Guildhall. There are a number of staircases throughout the building. To get to the crypt, you will need to descend a narrow, spiral staircase without a handrail. To enter the cells, you will need to descend a steep ramp. We ask that visitors use their own judgement on whether to enter a space.

Additional information

The building is a working office and home to Norfolk & Norwich Festival. There may be staff working while you are on your tour.

Max no of people per tour:

18

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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