In the build-up to race-day, we’ll be focussing on each of the twelve famous city landmarks that runners will pass on the Run Norwich race-route.
First up, is the iconic Norwich City Hall, which will provide the backdrop to the start & finish area – so may well be a welcome sight for runners come the end of the race!
The home of Norwich City Council, the building was opened in 1938 to accommodate the growth in local council duties, replacing the Guildhall (which is located just across the road and will be the second iconic landmark you’ll pass).
Built out of solid bricks with no steel frame, the design reflected the council’s belief at the time that a civic building of such importance deserved firm foundations.
The inside has some exceptional art-deco interior and many fine architectural features including a top-floor cupola, rich mahogany panelling and one of the longest balconies in the UK, measuring in at 111m/365 feet long.
Here’s that inevitable 10km distance comparison: it would take you 90 lengths of the balcony to cover 10km. We suspect the route we’ve arranged for you may be more stimulating though…
It may surprise you to know that the City Hall’s 150-foot high tower conceals the largest clock-bell in the United Kingdom – and it also has the deepest ‘tone’ in East Anglia.
The two iconic bronze lions, which flank the entrance to the building, were sculpted by Alfred Hardiman.
King George VI officially opened the Hall in 1938 and despite its size and civic importance, the building survived the extensive bombing of Norwich in the Second World War.
The City Hall 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 here.
The Tourist Information Centre runs tours of the building during Summer months. Call 01603 213999 for details.
