A history of Dragon Hall
The National Centre for Writing is based in the magnificent medieval Dragon Hall on King Street in Norwich.
There have been buildings on the site for more than a thousand years. Dragon Hall is a rare example of a medieval merchant’s trading complex, built in about 1430 by a merchant, Robert Toppes. Its centrepiece, the magnificent first floor trading hall, is 26 metres long, used more than 500 large oak timbers, was decorated with 15 dragons of Baltic oak and has a fine crown post roof. Its survival gives us the opportunity to appreciate the skills of the 15th century timber craftsmen.
Once a site for displaying, storing and selling Norfolk goods and imports from Europe, Dragon Hall is now an international centre for the trade of stories and words.
Dragon Hall resources
Dragon Hall venue map
Find your way around this medieval trading hall with our venue map.
A visual guide to Dragon Hall
Browse our green interpretation panels to find out more about each area of the building and its uses over time.
An audio tour of Dragon Hall
Scan QR codes as you travel through the building to discover its rich history and many roles.
A Tapestry of Tales
Explore our digital exhibition, a collection of creative responses to the history of Dragon Hall and King Street.
Historical research from the Dragon Hall Heritage Volunteers
Explore a number of briefing documents on different aspects of Dragon Hall, created by heritage volunteers.
Support Dragon Hall
Your generous donation will help keep our beautiful medieval home open to all.
Our drop-in visiting days are currently closed for the winter season as we carry out our annual maintenance programme. Dragon Hall will reopen to visitors in spring 2026. For the latest updates, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
Visit our What’s On page to view our public programme of events, guided tours, workshops and activities for adults, families and communities.
Our Writers’ Room is open on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Find us at National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, 115–123 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QE.
We are a short walk from Norwich train station and local bus routes. Find out more here.
Guided heritage tours of Dragon Hall
Heritage tours of Dragon Hall take place on the third Monday of each month at 2pm and are led by the Dragon Hall Heritage Volunteers.
Tours are free, but donations towards the building’s upkeep are greatly appreciated.
Booking in advance is recommended as there is limited capacity for each event.
Click the button below to view upcoming tours.
Give regularly to support Dragon Hall
The Robert Toppes Collections Company is a special group dedicated to our Grade I Listed home.
LEARN MOREIn building Dragon Hall, Robert Toppes created a masterpiece which is unique as a secular building of 15th-century Norwich, alongside the magnificent churches of which he was a benefactor. It has an enduring beauty in our magnificent city and a very special place in the east of England and the North Sea world.
Dragon Hall Heritage Volunteers
The Heritage Volunteers are a group of local historians and tour guides who have been involved in interpreting and presenting the story of the Hall and connected histories for many years.
Their aim is to promote public access and knowledge of the building. They work closely with the National Centre for Writing and help to raise funds for the maintenance of the building through tours and talks to community groups.
To find out more about the history of the building visit their website, which is packed with fascinating information.
Join the Volunteers
If you are interested in history and heritage, and enjoy working with like-minded people, there may be a volunteering opportunity for you.
The Heritage Volunteers are always keen to recruit new members to act as guides or assistants. They provide a lot of documents and background material, training and support for those keen to help promote and preserve this unique and wonderful building.
Why not come for a trial tour before making any commitment?
Please contact Heather Pfeiffer at [email protected] to find out more.
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