These civic buildings are the most complete pre-Reformation Friary complex in Britain.
It was originally the nave and chancel of the great church of the Dominican Blackfriars.
A fire destroyed the original church in 1413 and Sir Thomas Erpingham paid for most of the rebuilding.
When the monasteries were dissolved in 1540 Norwich Corporation bought the church from Henry VIII.
It has been used regularly for civic occasions since 1544, when the first Mayor's feast was held.