Hustle and bustle of the 19th century rush-hour

May 5 , 2003

GUILDHALL HILL (Market Place)

RUSH-HOUR in old Norwich... a fascinating glimpse of life outside the Norwich Guildhall, captured in 1824 by the talented city artist David Hodgson.

The Guildhall was at the heart of civic life for centuries and at one time, when the guilds were in full strength, it was practically the City Hall.

Originally, at the end of the 14th Century, there was the little toll-house here, so constructed that its dias could seat only four bailiffs and two others.

After the charter of 1403, which gave us our mayoralty, civic pride demanded something better and the work started on the Guildhall in 1407.
Workmen were “pressed” to slave away from 5am until 8pm building it and the master mason was John Marowe.

He was the man who gave us the chequer pattern of black flint and white freestone, which still ornaments the eastern front.

Marowe was paid sixpence a day (2½p), which was a handsome sum in those days.

It was a marathon task and it wasn’t until 1453 that the Guildhall was finished.

As you can see, there have been a few changes over the years. The façade changed in 1861 when the Gothic flint-faced buildings were built to the designs of the then city architect.

The new buildings — which cost £800 to put up — were used to give offices for the Chief Constable, the Town Clerk and two cells.

The street scene in the painting shows how the market spread right to the doors of the Guildhall with wicker peds carrying fish or vegetables spread around Gaol Hill — and what seems to be one corner of a wooden-front stall on the right-hand side.

What's in a Name homepage