See inside a historic house for sale where two heroines were born

A late 16th century townhouse in the centre of Norwich is for sale for £425,000 where not one, but two famous heroines were born.

Gurney Court, hidden away from view off Magdalen Street, is where both prison reformer Elizabeth Fry and author Harriet Martineau were born in what would have been a substantial merchant's house.

Elizabeth Fry, who is often known as the 'angel of prisons', was born in 1780 and was the driving force behind legislation making the treatment of prisoners more humane.

Twenty-two years later, Harriet Martineau was also born there in 1802. She was a social theorist and was a pioneer in opening many spheres of work for women. Martineau Lane in Norwich is named after her.

Peter Hornor, from Brown & Co, the estate agent selling the property for a guide price of £425,000, said: 'This is one of those rare gems which most people wouldn't know existed, a three-bedroom home in the medieval part of the city.'

The property for sale, which is Grade II star listed, reflecting the fact it is a particularly important building of more than special interest, would have been one large merchant's house, situated in an area of great prosperity in the city.

Over time it has been divided into four properties and the one for sale is number one, which shares a communal entrance only with number two.

Once inside, the property offers incredible character with rooms on different levels and is beautifully presented.

Off its own entrance hall is a panelled drawing room, study area, a cloakroom and up a level, a kitchen.

Over two upper floors are three bedrooms, an en suite bathroom and separate shower room, with original features throughout such as fireplaces and wide sash windows. Outside is the large communal courtyard but also a private courtyard for this property and parking.

From the street, all you can see is a locked gate and covered passageway with two wall plaques for Elizabeth Fry and Harriet Martineau.

For more information contact Brown & Co on 01603 629871.