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Museum Details
The Bridewell, Norwich
Image: Exterior of the Bridewell
Bridewell Alley
Norwich
NR2 1AQ
Norfolk
England
Collection details
Architecture
Archives
Aviation
Costume and Textiles
Design
Fine Art
Industry
Land Transport
Law and Order
Medicine
Photography
Science and Technology
Social History
Sport
Toys and Hobbies
Trade and Commerce
Weapons and War
Facilities
Shop: yes
Baby changing facilities: yes
Library: yes
Study area: yes
Visual disability facilities: yes
Hearing disability facilities: yes
The Bridewell is a Grade I listed building and presents many obstacles for those with mobility problems. The building is inaccessible to wheelchair users and has many steps. However, work is currently underway to improve access to all.
The Curator is happy to arrange talks/collections access off site for those unable to visit the museum.
Assistance dogs are welcome and there are many handling collections available for all.
There is an induction loop at the entrance and portable loops for other areas.
Those with concerns should call our shop on 01603 629127 for friendly advice.
The Undercroft is currently inacessible - a photopack is available to view.
Our library is open by appointment only.
Contact details
Shop & Tickets (Tel)
:
01603 629127
Museum Curator (Tel)
:
01603 614018
Museum Admin (Tel)
:
01603 493625
General information (Fax)
:
01603 498662
E-mail
:
museums@norfolk.gov.uk
Website
:
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/default.asp?document=200.22
Open
25 March - 31 October 2008
Core Times
Tues - Fri: 10am - 4.30pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Closed Sun & Mon
School half-terms, Easter & summer holidays
Tues - Sat: 10am - 5pm
Closed Sun & Mon
Admission charges
Adult: £3.20
Concession*: £2.65
Child: £1.75
Family Ticket: £8.85
Museums Pass, Friends of the Norwich Museums and C&TA free.
*Disabled visitors, over 60s and students.
Discounts
Museums Association
Description
The Bridewell started life as a rich merchant's house in 1325. It became a prison for women and beggars (a ‘Bridewell’) in 1585 and in the mid 18th century became a conventional prison. From 1828 it earned its keep as a factory and warehouse for tobacco, leather, boots and shoes. It became a museum in 1925 and now houses a wonderful collection of historic objects and machinery revealing how Norwich people earned their living.
Collections description
The Bridewell is packed full of collections, telling the story of Norwich's rich history and it's people. Highlights include an original Jacquard loom, Norwich shawls, shoes, the first wire netting machine, Shand Mason fire engine, printing presses, chemist shop, recreated pawnbrokers shop and Norwich City Football Club display. The collection is housed in a fascinating building, with the finest flint wall in Britain and largest medieval undercroft in Norwich.
Key artists and exhibits
Norwich, textile industry, Norwich shawls, shoes, Norwich industries, shoe industry, brewing, printing,iron founding, flint wall, medieval undercroft,clocks,
Articles
Heritage Open Days In Norwich Promise Tours, Towers and Talks
Norwich Bridewell Museum Open For Business Once Again
Museum And Heritage Fun In Norwich For Easter 2008
MGM 2007 - Big Bank Holiday Museum Events Round-Up
MGM 2006 - Events In The East Of England - A Feast Of Fun!
Available resources
Victorian Norwich
Resouce pack; Website; Worksheet
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Information published here was believed to be correct at the time it was prepared. Welsh language pages developed with CYMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.