The Old Barge

The Old Barge is a former merchants' hall dating from the 14th century, with significant rebuilding in the 15th century and alterations from the late 15th century onwards. It is situated on the east side of King Street in Norwich. The building’s construction is of flint rubble and brick at ground floor level, with a timber frame on the first floor, and it is roofed with pantiles. Originally, it was oriented towards the river, with a south block set at a right angle to the street line. It is two storeys high, featuring a jetty at the first floor. The facade comprises seven bays. The ground floor facade is divided into three sections, with 19th and 20th century doors and windows. Seven late 18th century sash windows are present on the first floor, with three casement windows above them towards the right. The gables are of brick and flint rubble with moulded corbels. A 14th century doorway is found in the south gable, with a moulded ogee arch surround, encased within an early 16th century surround featuring moulded jambs, shields, and a coved over-door.

Internally, a spine-wall has one complete and one blocked and partly destroyed 14th century service doors; there are also blocked and partly destroyed doors relating to the 15th century internal arrangement, and an extremely large four-centred brick arch. The rear ground-floor wall has an arcaded design. A notable feature is the impressive crown-post roof, which retains one finely carved dragon spandrel. An early 16th century fireplace is present in the south gable, with moulded stone jambs. To its left is a blocked doorway with a stone two-centred arch.