(20) Bridewell Undercroft
Updated 03/04/2020
Bridewell Undercroft – BRIDEWELL ALLEY
Largest suite of undercrofts in Norwich is that below the Bridewell Museum and dates in part to the late 14th century.
It is built of brick. The complex plan ultimately comprised an L shaped undercroft which began with ten compartments of vaulting arranged around 3 central piers and 2 bays around a central lateral rib. This stood beneath the hall and service rooms.
2 separate additions extended the undercroft suite to the west with octopartite vaulting.
Under the hall range are 12 bays with middle piers and quadripartite vaults, under the front range are 5 bays without middle piers and with vaults, sexpartite in the 2 E bays, octopartite in the others. The ribs are double chamfered.
It is not normally open as part of the museum and it is only possible to visit on bookable guided tours. It is quite impressive and well worth a visit.
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