Dragon Hall, King Street, Norwich

Image: © David Hallam-Jones Taken: 23 Dec 2019

Originally known as “Splytt’s”, this property was built c.1430 by Robert Toppes, a wealthy merchant (born c.1400) who owned approximately 31 properties in Norwich and beyond. He was the city's mayor on four occasions and he has been credited with helping Norwich to become the second largest and richest city in England. Because of its proximity to a nearby river and streets these premises were developed for commercial purposes. Toppes set aside the first floor as a trading hall and maintained the ground floor as a reception area. He also owned a warehouse next to the River Wensum. Eventually, and after his death, this building was re-purposed for residential use. Over the years some of the original architecture was ripped away to make more space to house even more tenants. An attic and cellar were added and the site was renamed “The Old Barge Building”. Part of the hall even became a pub. In the 1950s however, the building was awarded Grade I-listed status and in 1979 the City Council bought the property and with the help of a £1.8 million Heritage Lottery grant set out to restore it and it was renamed “Dragon Hall”. It is currently owned by the National Centre for Creative Writing but it also serves as a business centre and a function venue.

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