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Restored trading hall from medieval era, unique in England. Guided tours available once or twice a month.
Dragon Hall is a Grade I listed medieval merchant's trading hall located in King Street, Norwich, Norfolk, close to the River Wensum, and since 2018 home to the National Centre for Writing. It is thought to be unique in being the only such trading hall in Northern Europe to be owned by one man. The building stands on what was the main road through the city in the 15th century, with river transport links via Great Yarmouth to the Low Countries. Dragon Hall is now acknowledged as one of Norwich's medieval architectural gems and an iconic building in the city.
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Norwich castle is one of the dominant features of the city centre. The castle was initially commissioned by William the Conqueror and was completed by his son Henry. During its 900 year history it has had several uses initially as royal place then in later time it served as the city's prison. A more modern prison was added in Victorian times, but by the late 19thC the complex was given over to become a museum, a role it has retained to this day.
The original castle keep has just undergone a major five year £27m restoration, christened, Royal Palace reborn, and has included the reinstatement of original floor levels to recreate the Great Hall and the royal apartments. The British Museum has loaned artifacts to the museum to add to its own collection. Included in this redevelopment has been improved access to all floors in the Keep including the battlements, which afford fantastic views over the city.
Apart from this the museum has a series of galleries exploring local history and natural history and an art gallery that displays paintings from the Norwich School of artists as well as hosting visiting exhibitions.
Twilight ticket (one hour before closing): £2.50
Events venue, concerts, antiques markets, etc.
Built as a Friary complex.
Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity
The 900-year-old Norman cathedral church. Don't miss 'old As I Am', a grinning skeleton on the south aisle wall. The surrounding Close is also very quiet, with statues of Nelson and Wellington.
A landmark building opened in 2001, architecturally dynamic, housing one of the best public libraries in the UK, BBC East, arts and information centre along with the large and popular Cafe Bar Marzano and a branch of the pizza chain Pizza Express. There are regularly changing events and exhibitions that are almost always free.