Assembly House, Norwich

The Assembly House in Norwich is a stunning Georgian Grade I listed building with a rich history that spans centuries. Today, it serves as a versatile venue for conferences, exhibitions, visual and performing arts, and weddings, under the stewardship of a registered arts charity. It also holds a prominent place in the Norwich 12 initiative, a project aimed at enhancing the city's historical attractions.

The Assembly House dates to 1248 when John Le Brun founded the Chapel and Hospice of Saint Mary’s in the Field. By 1278, it became the College of Saint Mary in the Fields, a center for priests, civic events, and Norwich’s early self-governance, including the election of city bailiffs. It also hosted the Feast of Corpus Christi, a key event with guild processions.

The college's ecclesiastical role ended with Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1544. It became a private residence for the Cornwallis family, then the Chapel of the Field House under Sir Henry Hobart. By 1753, John Hobart leased it to city aldermen, who commissioned architect Thomas Ivory to transform it into a grand "House of Assemblies" for Norwich's elite.

Over the years, the Assembly House has adapted to various roles. It served as a girls’ school from 1876 to 1939 and was repurposed as a camouflage school during World War II. Post-war, the building was restored under the influence of Oliver Messel and reopened in 1950 as a cultural hub, funded by Norwich shoe manufacturer H.J. Sexton.

As a historic and cultural landmark, the Assembly House continues to play an integral role in Norwich’s vibrant arts scene. Its blend of Georgian elegance and historical significance makes it a cherished venue for both locals and visitors.