The Guildhall, Norwich

The Guildhall stands at the edge of Norwich Market, a striking flint and stone building that served as the seat of city government for more than five centuries. Built between 1407 and 1424, it was the largest and most elaborate provincial guildhall in medieval England outside London, reflecting Norwich's status as one of the wealthiest cities in the country at the time.

The building is best known for its distinctive chequerboard facade of knapped flint and freestone on the east gable, added in the 1530s. Inside, the former Council Chamber retains its 15th-century oak roof, stained glass and the sword and cap of maintenance presented by Henry V. The undercroft, once used as a prison, held Thomas Bilney before his execution for heresy in 1531 and later held Robert Kett after the rebellion of 1549.

The Guildhall ceased to be Norwich's centre of civic power when City Hall opened in 1938. Today parts of the building are used as a cafe, and the interior can be visited during occasional open days and guided tours run by local heritage groups. Even without going inside, the exterior is worth a closer look, particularly the porch, the clock tower and the flushwork on the eastern gable overlooking Gaol Hill.