The Norwich 12, Norfolk, England

Prior to us setting off on our Norfolk road trip we’d read about the Norwich 12, intrigued to find out more while we were in Norwich, we did a bit of digging (not literally).

The list is a collection of iconic buildings taking you through the ages of Norwich, from the Normans, onto Medieval, through to the Georgian & Victorian period and ending with the modern-day era.

Built by the Normans for William the Conqueror as a royal palace, from 1067 to 1075.

Originally taking the form of a motte and bailey, the castle is now home to a museum and art gallery, with fantastic views across the city.

Now over 900 years and arguably the most iconic building in Norwich is the amazing cathedral, built between 1096 to 1145 the impressive Norman Tower still remains today.

Not only is the Cathedral free to wander around take time stroll around the enchanting 44-acre surrounding Close.

This medieval hospital founded in 1249 still cares for people today & has been in continuous use for the citizens of Norwich for the last 750 years.

The six-acre collection of buildings includes a church, cloister, medieval refectory, and a Victorian hall.

Dating from the 14th century, these halls are the most complete medieval friary complex surviving in England. The buildings are made of flint, which is quite synonymous with this area of the UK.

Today the halls can be hired for social functions.

This medieval city hall was built between 1407 and 1411 and served as the seat of city government from the early 15th century until 1938 when it was used for city administration, courts and prisons.

Today the Guildhall can be toured every on Monday at 2pm, and you are able to visit the dungeon, the police cells, Victorian Court room.

Dragon Hall was a 15th-century medieval merchant’s trading hall, built between 1427 and 1430.

Tours of Dragon Hall are possible once a month.

This wonderful Georgian building was constructed between 1754 & 1755 and designed by the architect Thomas Ivory.

Once hosting celebrations for local gentry, the building is still used today for special events.

Built between 1836 & 1839 during the Industrial Revolution, this impressive building was used for producing textiles.

Now owned by Jarrolds, whose name is frequently seen around the city, has since been converted into an office complex, with the Jarrold Printing Museum situated behind the mill.

Slightly away from the city centre is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, yes, Norwich is a city with two cathedrals.

Built between 1884 & 1910 in the style of Victorian Gothic Revival, it was a gift to the city by Henry Fitzalan Howard, the 15th Duke of Norfolk.

The very impressive Surrey House was built in the Edwardian era during 1900 and 1912, designed by local architect George Skipper.

Surrey House was commissioned by The Norwich Union Life Insurance Society’s as their head office and includes an elegant Marble Hall.

Built between 1936 & 1938 during the inter-war period in England, it was constructed to replace the functions of the old Guildhall nearby (no.5 on this list).

This building is home to Norwich City Council.

Last but no means least is The Forum, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and was built between 1999 & 2001 it was a landmark Millennium building for the city & its community.

It houses the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library and 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, also the Norwich Tourist Information Centre & the BBC’s regional headquarters.

Our suggested route starts and finishes at the Castle, but being circular you can start and finish where you want.

There are plenty of watering holes along the route, but look out for the Adam & Eve Pub between St James Mill (10) & The Great Hospital (11), or The St Andrews Brew House by the Halls (9).

Does the archtiecture & history tempt you? There’s so much to this wonderful city – it’s now a firm favourite of ours.

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If you liked this post why not have a look at The Heart of Norfolk: Norwich, England

Seen the Norwich 12? We hope you enjoy strolling around this lovely city and taking in the 12 very historic, architectural must sees as much as we did.