Norwich is full of strange and spooky stories such as the girl who choked on her family's flesh during the plague and the 15th century shoes found bricked into a fireplace.

And now a city ghost hunter and history buff, who uses the alias Edward L, has shared the secrets and lost stories of a former leprosy hospital.

Lazar House sits just outside Mousehold Heath, off Sprowston Road, and dates back more than 900 years.

Norwich Evening News: Many staff report feeling the most in the basement Many staff report feeling the most in the basement (Image: Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk)

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In 1101, Bishop Herbert turned it into a hospital for men suffering from leprosy, making it the first of its kind in East Anglia.  

People suffering from the disease would have to wear black cloaks and ring a bell to warn people that they were close, they were also forbidden from entering churches and bakehouses. Lazar House became a haven for them.  

Edward L, who runs Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk, said: “When I heard Lazar House was taking part in the Norfolk Heritage Open Days, I jumped at the chance. 

Norwich Evening News: in 1101 Bishop Herbert turned the building into a hospital for Lepers in 1101 Bishop Herbert turned the building into a hospital for Lepers (Image: Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk)

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"It didn’t feel particularly spooky during the day, but I spoke to a few members of staff who felt the creepiest part of the building was the basement area.  

“A narrow set of stairs leads down to the basement where staff spoke of spooky phenomena taking place.” 

And current staff who use the building back up these claims.  

Norwich Evening News: One staff member recalls seeing a tall thin man pacing in the staff room One staff member recalls seeing a tall thin man pacing in the staff room (Image: Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk)

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Sam Cossey, who works at Assist Trust, said: “There have long been murmurings among the staff team about shadows seen out of the corners of eyes.”  

Lisa, the trust's health and safety lead, even reports seeing a ghost.  

She said: “One day, in broad daylight, I saw a tall thin man walking back and forth in the staff office.  

“He was walking with purpose and authority as though he used to work at Lazar House.” 

Norwich Evening News: Edward L from Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk shares Lazar House' rich history Edward L from Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk shares Lazar House' rich history (Image: Haunted and Abandoned Norfolk)

Sam added: “Everyone who works at or uses Lazar House agrees that it has a warm, positive energy.  

“Any phantasms, spirits or spectres who may be hanging about seem to be friendly and cause no harm whatsoever.” 

What is Lazar House used for now? 

Lazar House continues to evolve in its use and remains a building with an important function after over 900 years.  

Currently, it is being used by the Assist Trust, a charity that provides progression opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.  

Through various work teams such as Employment & Travel Training and Supported Housing, the Assist Trust empowers people to lead fulfilling and independent lives in the community.