Story added: 22nd July 2015

Surrey 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.

Though runners will not pass directly in front of the grand Surrey House, it will be visible briefly as the route passes down St Stephen’s Street.

The historic home of Aviva, Surrey House is a spectacular piece of Edwardian architecture built in 1900.

Architect George Skipper was commissioned by the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society’s (as it was then known) to produce a ‘splendid yet functional office space’ incorporating Greek influences and the themes of insurance, protection and wellbeing, to reassure policyholders of the company’s strength and prosperity.

The building has a commanding Palladian exterior and contains fifteen varieties of marble, classically inspired frescos and a stunning glass atrium.

There are some unusual items in the building’s collection such as an ‘air fountain’ and a chiming skeleton clock made for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Surrey House is part of the Norwich 12, a collection of heritage buildings in Norwich deemed of particular historical and cultural importance.

Though it is a working building, members of the public who visit between 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri) are usually able to look around the Marble Hall. Visitors should telephone in advance to book a full tour.

Want to be on the start line on August 30 with thousands of other runners? Don’t delay, sign-up to the race today.

Next up: The Great Hospital