The entrance at the front of the building leads into this large and impressive hall...
Decorated in the authentic Georgian yellow, this is the largest room in the building and...
A small grassed area which is overlooked by large Georgian windows from the Noverre...
This beautiful and elegant room features some of the finest decorative plasterwork to be...
Overlooking the courtyard at the side of the building this room also overlooks the...
Situated on the first floor and at the front of the building these rooms overlook the...
Situated on the first floor and at the front of the building these rooms overlook the...
Situated on the first floor and at the front of the building these rooms overlook the...
Named after Sir Thomas Ivory, the well known architect who designed the building in 1754,...
Formerly a exhibition room Ivory's Cafe Bar is now a delightful and comfortable area with...
This light and airy room is situated on the ground floor of the House and is on a...
The Oliver Messel is a ‘white wall’ gallery space suitable for all types...
Secure wall cabinets situated on either side of the corridor that leads from the Assembly...
The Car park provides ample parking for visitors using the facilities of the House and...
Green parasols provide welcome shade and wrought iron chairs offer seating from which to...
750 years of history!
This beautiful Georgian Grade I listed building enjoys a tranquil and peaceful setting in the centre of the historic city of Norwich, Norfolk.
The present Georgian building you see today was designed in 1754 by the renowned English architect Sir Thomas Ivory and was used as a ‘House of Assemblies’ for the gentry of Norwich.
Prior to this date the site was occupied by a Chapel and Hospice of St Mary’s in the Field founded in 1248. The Cloisters (now partly covered by the courtyard) and Crypt were built in 1278. The crypt is still part of the present day cellar.
In 1548 the Chapel and College were surrendered to the Crown and the buildings destroyed.The residents of Blickling Hall, now a National Trust property, the Hobarts built a townhouse on the site in 1609.
From 1805 – 1876 the house played host to a variety of events and famous people. In 1805 a Grand Ball was held to celebrate Nelson’s ‘Glorious Victory off Cape Trafalgar’. The house was decked out with flags and banners. Some of the original banner fixings are still to be seen on the balcony of the Ivory’s Restaurant.
In 1826 Madame Tussaud returned to Norwich with her waxwork display of Sovereigns, Princes, Queens and Princesses, Heroes and Statesmen, Poets and Divines. The Hungarian composer Franz Listz gave a concert at 1.30am in the morning in the Music Room!
From 1876 – 1939 the building was used by the Girls Public Day School (Norwich High School Girls).
From 1939 – 1945 Oliver Messel, appointed by the War Office used the building as a camouflage school. He was also responsible for encouraging the refurbishment of the House and went on to become a famous costumer and theatrical set designer.
In 1950 after considerable refurbishment a leading Norwich shoe manufacturer, Mr H J Sexton re-opened the House in May. He formed the H J Sexton Arts Trust.
In 1995 a fire destroyed the main roof and severely damaged the House. However, with the support of local businesses s and friends in Assembly House reopened in 1997.
If you are looking for a speaker for your Society or Club for 2008 or perhaps a tour of the building (from 10-25 people) then please contact us on 01603 626402.
The History of The Assembly House
Andrew Stephenson
Edited by Jan King
A5 Paperback Price £4.95 plus P&P
Available from the Assembly House or from:
The Larks Press,
Ordnance Farmhouse,
Guist Bottom, Dereham,
Norfolk NR20 5PF
