NHER 26120 (Building record) - Dolphin Inn, Heigham Street (Bishop Hall's Palace)

February 1954. Listed, Grade II*.
Formerly Bishop Hall's Palace, now an inn.
1587(?) for Richard Brown, possibly incorporating earlier features.
1595 on gable; 1615 on right wing.
Much 20th century restoration after war damage.
Knapped flint studded with stones and with ashlar dressings.
Plain tile roof. L-plan.
Interior is noted as having 16th century mantelpiece and carvings.
See (S1) for the complete listing details.

Comparison of old photograph in (S2) shows that the restoration in 1960 after wartime damage removed or did not replace two rear wings, evidenced by projection above the main roof line, and a stack at the left hand end of the main range. The dormer on the forward wing is also now much smaller than was previously the case, and an ancient wall and gateway in front no longer exists. The facades of the building are unaltered since the prewar picture.
It should be emphasised that (S3) was wrong in saying the date of 1595 was 'formerly' there, it is still present on the gable.
The building was the home of Bishop Hall when he was ejected from his palace during the Civil War but was never officially a palace.
E. Rose (NLA), 17 July 2000.

Press cuttings (S1) and (S2) in file.
T. Sunley (NLA) 25 October 2007.