The Halls - St Andrew‘s and Blackfriars‘

What

The most complete medieval friary complex surviving in England

The Halls were built over 600 years ago and were part of the medieval precinct of the Dominican or Black Friars.

The layout is typical of a medieval English friary church, including a large nave (St Andrew's) used for preaching to congregations and a smaller chancel (Blackfriars'), where the friars held services. The nave and chancel were separated by a walkway, which would have allowed direct access to the cloisters.

St Andrew's Hall has an impressive hammer beam roof, a gift of the Paston family, whose townhouse was in nearby Elm Hill.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Augustine Steward (three times Mayor of Norwich) sent a proposition to Henry VIII in London, asking if the City of Norwich could buy the Dominican friary buildings. By pledging to use the Halls for the good of the citizens, for fairs and feasting, Steward ensured the friary's survival.

The Halls now hold the country's largest collection of civic portraits, totalling 127 late 16^th to 19^th century paintings of Norwich Mayors, Sheriffs and other dignitaries. Today both Halls host conferences, antique fairs, markets, weddings, concerts and even the largest provincial Beer Festival in the country.