Norwich Union Offices

TG 2308 SW SURREY STREET (east side) 23/837 5.6.72 No. 8 (Norwich Union Offices) GV I Office. 1903-4 by G. J. Skipper. Clipsham Stone. Roof not visible. Set back from street line with single-storey projecting wings. Neo-Baroque style. 2 storeys outer bays and 3 storeys centre bays. 5 bays: A:B:B:B:A. Central door with semi-circular fanlight having fine wrought-ironwork and rusticated arch with swags and shield. Mullion and transom windows throughout: those at first floor tall with pedimented surround. Rusticated ground floor with rough-hewn quoins which continue part way up the first floor. Paired end, and dividing Ionic columns across centre bays supporting pediment. The single-storey wings having balustrading with urns and frontal niches with the statues of the Right Reverend William Talbot and Sir Samuel Bignold. Stone balustrading in front of the building with festooned circular gateposts with urns. Extremely fine marbled interior and panelled boardroom. 'Font' in centre of main hall is part of the original central heating system and still used. C16 glass from Surrey House in former Solicitor's Office on the first floor . Fine Adam style fireplace (reputedly from Surrey House) in first floor committee room.

Listing NGR: TG2304808147