Tour of Norwich Architecture

Boardman & Skipper Tour

The Norwich & Norfolk Festival of Architecture 2019 put on by the Norfolk Association of Architects commissioned me to document several of their events including Paul Dickson’s tour of Norwich Architecture by Boardman & Skipper. These two architects are responsible for some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Surrey House Norwich

The tour began outside the former Norwich Union (now Aviva) building at 8 Surrey Street, commonly known as Surrey House, home of Marble Hall. This ostentatious property was designed by George Skipper. I have yet to go inside and see the Marble Hall myself, but have been told it is well worth doing so.

Norwich Union Surrey House
Tour Guide with group in front of Aviva building in Norwich

The tour also covered Red Lion Street before moving on to the Royal Arcade.

Norwich Architecture in city centre
Norwich Architecture by Boardman
Royal Arcade Norwich

After going through Royal Arcade the tour made its way along Gentleman’s walk to Haymarket. As was so often the case on this tour, Paul encouraged us to look up above the shop fronts to see the beautiful architectural features that so many walk past and miss.

Paul Dickson explaining Red Lion Street
Outside the Royal Arcade with Paul Dickson Tours
Tour of Norwich Architecture group in Royal Arcade
Tour guide & group on Boardman & Skipper tour of Norwich architecture
Architectural features above shops in Norwich
Architectural details above shop front

Other highlights of the tour included St Giles House, Jarrolds and the former London & Provincial Bank (currently The Ivy). 

Jarrolds Norwich
Paul Dickson Boardman & Skipper Tour of Norwich Architecture - street scene
Former Bank - tour of Norwich Architecture
Group photo of architecture tour participants

In addition to the Boardman & Skipper tour of Norwich architecture, Paul Dickson offers a range of walking tours at various location in Norfolk.

© Joe Lenton, 2019

See more examples of Norwich Architecture such as the UEA

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