Strangers' Hall is due to re-open to the public in April 2006. © Norwich City Council
Strangers' Hall, a historic hall in Norwich with connections to the Dutch, Walloon and Flemish weavers of the 1300s, is due to reopen on April 15 2006.
The hall has been closed since December 10 2005 for renovation work, but maintenance on the inefficient heating and lighting system, as well as improvements to the hall’s infrastructure and displays, are nearing completion.
“Strangers' Hall holds a special place in the hearts of Norwich people, and has a very loyal following,” said Helen Renton, the site's Assistant Curator. “We hope that the improvements to the heating and lighting systems in the building will enhance the visitor experience.”
Work has been carried out on many displays, including the development of a Mayors and Magnates exhibition, which will explore the lives of the hall’s inhabitants during the 17th century.
Strangers' Hall boasts one of the finest stone-built undercrofts in the city. Photo Jayna Makwana. © HEART/24 Hour Museum
The hall was named Strangers' Hall in the 1300s because of its connections to the Dutch, Walloon and Flemish immigrants who moved to Norwich in the early medieval period. These ‘Strangers’ were excellent weavers and it is thought they helped save the ailing textile trade of the time from collapse. Later, wealthy merchants and mayors of the city used the hall.
The hall dates back to 1320 and boasts a glorious stone-vaulted undercroft, a Tudor Great Hall and a Georgian dining room. Each room features life-like recreations of how our ancestors lived, as well as providing information about the fascinating Strangers.
“There will be better access, better interpretation and much better facilities,” said Jon Pitman, the Education Officer at the hall. “We are on target for the opening in April and the changes are spectacular.”
April 2006 is proving to be an exciting time for HEART (Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust), as another of Norwich’s ‘great and good’ buildings, Dragon Hall, will be re-opened after renovation on April 5 2006.
Dragon Hall will also be open in April 2006
Improvements include a new north wing and glass gallery at the rear of the building, which will provide space for contemporary art and other exhibitions. Access will be enhanced with the introduction of modern and disabled toilets, together with a lift.
New displays will tell the story of Robert Toppes, the merchant who built the hall, and explore the role Dragon Hall has played in the history of Norwich and Norfolk.
A total of £1.8m has been invested in the building, with £1.4m coming from the Heritage Lottery fund and the remaining £400,000 coming through generous donations.
A series of previews and opening events will take place before Dragon Hall opens to the public on April 5 2006.
Sarah Morley is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.
