City Hall

Who

James Smith (c.1762-c.1818)

Smith was a travelling leather seller until he opened a shop where he made and sold shoes in St Peter's Street, on the site of City Hall, towards the end of the 18^th century.

Smith is sometimes stated to be the first manufacturer to produce shoes ready made in various sizes, where previously all shoes were made to fit the individual.

The business expanded and moved to larger premises. However, the firm continued to use this city centre factory until 1935. The firm is now Start-Rite. 

S. Rowland Pierce (1897 - 1966)

One of the leading architects of his time, S. Rowland Pierce's designs for Norwich City Hall were held in great esteem and were shown at the Royal Academy in 1933 and 1934. In 1945 he collaborated on a plan for the whole city.

Another of his major works was the restoration of the Assembly House in 1950. He drew up the plans for both the exterior and interior and personally supervised the work himself.

Throughout his career Pierce won a number of awards and honours for his architecture, both nationally and internationally.