NHER 58682 (Building record) - 19-21 Bedford Street

The remains of a 15th century merchants house with street range, two perpendicular rear ranges and rear yard (accessed from the street via a carriage arch). Part of this property overlies a 14th century undercroft, suggesting this house had probably replaced an earlier house. The rear range of 21 Bedford Street is the earliest surviving element of these buildings, with the undercroft lying beneath the northern end of this range. Standing at right-angles to the street frontage it is a two-storey early 15th-century building with flint rubble walls. It has a scissor-brace roof with a later tie beam. Information from (S1), (S2) and (S3). The undercroft is described by (S3) as having a quadripartite plan constructed around a central pier that has a moulded capital and base. It is positioned at right-angles to and set back from the street line. Each of the four bays has diagonal double-order ribs. According to (S2) there was once an entrance from the east, away from the courtyard.

The slightly late, 16th-century street range is now divided into several separated properties, with an off-centre carriage entry providing access to Old Post Office Yard. This range is two-storeys high and is timber-framed at the first floor, with a full height flint rubble wall to the rear. Against the east gable there is a chimney stack with a stone fireplace surround. The roof is constructed with two rows of butt-purlins per side and wind bracing. Information from (S3).

The brick-built north-west wing, to the rear of 19 Bedford Street, is a later, early 18th-century addition (S2).

1970. Listed Grade II*.
Two designations apply to these properties, one covering the street frontage (1372711) and the other wing to the rear of 21 Bedford Street and its associated undercroft (1205180).
The medieval undercroft is a Scheduled Monument. See Monument Record Form in file (S4).

22 March 1973. Building Recording.
Visit by J. Chapman and B. Sumpster (architects) in order to assess condition of these buildings, which were at this time were in a derelict condition and had recently been purchased by the City Council. See file for copy of report (S5) detailing the observations made and the proposals and recommendations that were made for the renovation of these properties.

1973-1975. Renovation and alteration.
Restoration and conversion to offices and restaurant by Norwich City Council and James Chapman (architect). The various archaeological discoveries made during this work, including a Late Saxon pottery kiln, are recorded under NHER 163. See file for copies of photographs taken prior to and during the repair of these buildings and their undercroft (S6).

At some time during 1970s or 1980s. Norwich Survey.
This building was visited as part of the Norwich Survey. See record sheets in file (S7) for drawings made of undercroft vaulting and mouldings. No other records appears to have been made.

2004. Application for Scheduled Monument Consent.
Concerning the installation of floating floor, bar and air conditioning. See letter from DCMS in file (S8).