(23) 15 Bedford Street Undercroft
Updated 03/04/2020
NUMBER 15 BEDFORD STREET
The building above the undercroft dates from the 16th century and was formerly a shop and it retains the remains of a 16th century shop front. It is now a Travel Agent.
The undercroft dates from the 15th century and is of brick construction. Two major phases of construction have been identified in the undercroft. It lies beneath the rear range of the building and is at right-angles to the street line and is set back from the street.
It has a pointed barrel-vault profile with single order diagonal-ribs springing from corbels and one cross- rib. The diagonal ribs to a quadripartite pattern are later insertions to accommodate the side chamber in the east wall which projects beneath the yard. It is one of the smallest in Norwich. There is a lamp niche opposite the side chamber. There is the profile of an end chamber in the north wall, blocked by the 18th century stairs. There is an opening in the south wall and several steps which lead up to what appears to be a later unvaulted cellar, though it may be contemporary.
Non-vaulted subterranean structures are notoriously difficult to date; it is therefore important not to dismiss the cellars beneath the street frontage range as later additions (Smith).
The undercroft is in good condition with painted walls and access is via late 18th/early 19th century stairs, reached through a hatch in the floor of the shop. The undercroft was not used for anything at the time of my visit and I was one of its rare visitors.
The Map