Story added: 7th July 2015

The Assembly House

In the build-up to race-day, we’ll be putting the spotlight on each of the twelve famous city landmarks that runners will pass on the Run Norwich race-route.

Located half a kilometre into the race, is our fourth landmark: the beautiful Assembly House.

One of the most glorious examples of Georgian assembly rooms architecture in the county, the building was designed by the architect Thomas Ivory.

When it opened, The Assembly House was used as a centre for entertainment and assemblies for the local gentry.  During its long history, it has hosted a waxworks exhibition by Madam Tussaud, a concert by celebrated Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and many lavish balls including one in 1805 to celebrate Nelson’s famous victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.

From 1876 to 1939, the building was used by the Girls’ Public Day School (now Norwich High School for Girls). During the Second World War, like many large buildings of its type, The Assembly House served as a base for the Eastern Region Camouflage School. Despite being hit by nine incendiary bombs, it survived the blitz of 1942.

Following the war, under the encouragement of famous set and costume designer Oliver Messel and funds from local shoe tycoon Mr H.J Sexton, the building was lovingly restored.

Tragedy struck in 1995 when a fire destroyed large parts of the building.  Fortunately, much of the wooden panelling and Georgian plasterwork remained intact and many of the paintings and pieces of furniture were salvaged.

Today, following extensive renovation, the rooms appear almost exactly as they did at the height of the Regency period, and are used for exhibitions, concerts, conferences and weddings.

The Assembly House is one of the Norwich 12, a collection of heritage buildings in Norwich deemed of particular historical and cultural importance. Read more about the building’s history here. The building is open to the public Mon-Sat 9am-7.30pm and closed on Sundays (but available for exclusive use). Admission is free and contains a gallery, restaurant and café/bar. Visit their website here.