Norwich Guildhall

Guildhall 00 [ Map ]

Occupying the site of a humble thatched Tolhouse, Norwich Guildhall was built in 1407-13 in order that the larger self-governing powers conferred under the Charter of 1404 might be administered the more conveniently. In 1412 prisoners first occupied the crypts; that to the east - a relic of the old Tolhouse with its 14th century brick groining -holding the most desperate cases. Two towers of timber and tile construction, on the north and south sides respectively, were destroyed when the roof of the Council Chamber collapsed in 1511. By 1534 the new Mayor’s Council Chamber was completed, and today form the most beautiful part. Its eastern face exhibits a particularly fine example of contemporary chequered flint work and freestone, and has a central panel containing a fragment of the Arms of Henry VIII, flanked by two others containing (north) the City Arms, and (south) those of St George’s Company. Within the Council Chamber is to be seen an open timber roof with panels and pendants, and the seating arrangement, with linen-fold panelling, carved shields of arms and quaint poppy-heads, exemplifies a Tudor Court of Justice. Many of the fragments of 15th and 16th century stained glass in three windows came from the adjoining chapel of St Barbara, destroyed in 1625.

Civic affairs were conducted here until 1938, when a new City Hall was opened. However, Magistrates’ Courts continued to be held in the old Common Council Chamber, which, with the Sessions Court below (formerly the Sheriff’ Court) contained work of the 18th century, notably a pillared doorway in the former, and the Judge’s seat and railings in the latter. The Civic Regalia (now in the Castle museum) and many portraits of past Mayors, Recorders, and other local benefactors used to be housed in the Guildhall. These included Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634); Augustine Steward (who was largely responsible for the reconstruction of the Guildhall in 1534; he was M.P. in 1547 and thrice Mayor); Archbishop Parker (1504-1575); and full-length studies by Heins of Thomas Emerson (who presented the Sheriff’s Chains in 1739) and Sir Benjamin Wrench, an eminent physician of the 18th century. Many of these are now in Blackfriars Hall.

The additions to the south side (shown in red on the plan) were built in 1861 by Thomas Barry, the City Surveyor.

Guildhall 01 [ Day-time views from North-west, South, and East (chequered work 1534 - clock turret 1850), Mediaeval ring-bolt (at south-west corner - said to be where malefactors were tied up and flogged) ]

Guildhall 02 [ Night-time views from South-west, and South-east ]

Guildhall 03 [ Bassingham Gate (formerly entrance to house of John Bassingham a goldsmith at 57-59 London Street and dating from the reign of Henry VIII - it was bought for £12 by William Wilde when London Street was widened in 1855-7 and inserted here at the Magistrates’ entrance to the Guildhall) ]

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