Dragon Hall, Norwich

Dragon Hall is a Grade-1 listed medieval trading hall situated on King Street in Norwich. Close to the River Wensum, it is a celebrated architectural treasure and home to the National Centre for Writing since 2018. Remarkably, Dragon Hall is believed to be the only trading hall in Northern Europe owned by a single individual—a testament to the entrepreneurial legacy of Robert Toppes, the 15th-century merchant who commissioned its construction.

The site’s history stretches back to around 1000 CE, with archaeological evidence revealing an Anglo-Saxon hut beneath the current structure. By the late 13th century, the land was occupied by Woburn Abbey’s fish processing facility, complete with outbuildings and a quay connecting to the River Wensum. In the early 14th century, an L-shaped hall house with an undercroft was added by John Page, whose property formed part of the foundation for Dragon Hall.

In 1427, Robert Toppes transformed the site into a bustling commercial complex. Toppes retained portions of the earlier structures, such as the 14th-century hall house entrance, while constructing an impressive first-floor trading hall. The timber-framed hall, supported by a crown post roof, features seven bays adorned with carvings of 14 dragons, a nod to the building's name. Crafted with English oak, its construction consumed approximately 1,000 trees.

The hall’s design reflects Toppes’ need for both functionality and grandeur. A spacious warehouse area beneath the hall supported trading activities, while a newly created yard provided river access for goods. Customers entered through the original 14th-century passage, ascending a staircase to conduct business in the grand trading hall.

Dragon Hall stands as a symbol of Norwich's vibrant medieval past and its role as a center of trade. Strategically located on what was the city's main thoroughfare in the 15th century, the hall was integral to trade routes linking Norwich with Great Yarmouth and the Low Countries. Today, it remains an iconic part of Norwich’s cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic prominence in European commerce.