THE NORWICH 12
In 2008, an initiative was launched to celebrate a dozen of the city’s most historic landmarks. Created by the Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust, the Norwich 12 groups together iconic buildings from Norman, medieval, Georgian, Victorian and contemporary eras. They include obvious choices, such as the castle, the Anglican cathedral, the modern Forum and the Guildhall, but also The Great Hospital, which dates to 1249. Also on the list is The Halls, which is the largest remaining friary complex in the UK, with six separate areas; some of which date from as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. There is Dragon Hall, a trading hall and private house built in the 15th century, which is now the home of the National Centre for Writing; St James Mill, a large riverside building, which is regarded as the prototype for the classic Industrial Revolution mill model; the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, designed by George Gilbert Scott Jnr and built between 1884 and 1910; Surrey House, a Grade I listed building, which was designed by George Skipper for Norwich Union; and City Hall, Norwich’s Art Deco civic building. The Assembly House completes the list. This Grade I listed Georgian mansion in Theatre Street – a favourite of the architectural writer Nikolaus Pevsner – is now a hotel and wedding venue. It has become famous for staging magical festive afternoon teas, and this year, the theme is The Nutcracker, with a tea in four acts, including sandwiches, scones, savouries and delicate pastries. Tea can be taken in the house or in one of the sparkling pop-up igloos surrounded by Christmas trees on the lawns. The Assembly House hosts festive supper clubs and seasonal cooking demonstrations.