This months speaker and venue details

Assembly House

The present Georgian building was designed in 1754 by the renowned English architect Sir Thomas Ivory and was used as a ‘House of Assemblies’ for the gentry of Norwich. The present Georgian building you see today was designed in 1754 by the renowned English architect Sir Thomas Ivory and was used as a ‘House of Assemblies’ for the gentry of Norwich.

Prior to this date the site was occupied by a Chapel and Hospice of St Mary’s in the Field founded in 1248. The Cloisters (now partly covered by the courtyard) and Crypt were built in 1278. The crypt is still part of the present day cellar.
In 1548 the Chapel and College were surrendered to the Crown and the buildings destroyed.The residents of Blickling Hall, now a National Trust property, the Hobarts built a townhouse on the site in 1609. From 1805 – 1876 the house played host to a variety of events and famous people. In 1805 a Grand Ball was held to celebrate Nelson’s ‘Glorious Victory off Cape Trafalgar’. The house was decked out with flags and banners. Some of the original banner fixings are still to be seen on the balcony of the Ivory’s Restaurant.

In 1826 Madame Tussaud returned to Norwich with her waxwork display of Sovereigns, Princes, Queens and Princesses, Heroes and Statesmen, Poets and Divines. The Hungarian composer Franz Listz gave a concert at 1.30am in the morning in the Music Room!
From 1876 – 1939 the building was used by the Girls Public Day School (Norwich High School Girls).

From 1939 – 1945 Oliver Messel, appointed by the War Office used the building as a camouflage school. He was also responsible for encouraging the refurbishment of the House and went on to become a famous costumer and theatrical set designer.

In 1950 after considerable refurbishment a leading Norwich shoe manufacturer, Mr H J Sexton re-opened the House in May. He formed the H J Sexton Arts Trust.

In 1995 a fire destroyed the main roof and severely damaged the House. However, with the support of local businesses s and friends the Assembly House reopened in 1997

Denise Green, a Fashion Buyer for Jarrolds, is our speaker

Quote from Jarrolds website -"Jarrolds fashion has never been so exciting. Our fabulous womenswear floor is full of inspiring looks from well known names and exclusive designer labels; many of the brands you will find are exclusive to us in Norwich. We are constantly improving and expanding the ranges we have on offer, regularly introducing new and exciting brands to our collections."

Jarrold, of course, is one of the most familiar business names in East Anglia. It all started in 1770 as drapers and grocers in Woodbridge, Suffolk. The business expanded to printing in 1815. In 1823 the family took over premises in Norwich, on the south side of which is now London Street, to sell books and stationery with printing moving from Suffolk to the same site around 1830.

In 1840, Jarrold moved to parts of the present site facing Little London Street. The present buildings facing London Street were built in 1902 and designed by a well known local architect George Skipper, the man behind other city landmarks including the Royal Arcade and Norwich Union Marble Hall.

The retail business continued to expand through the 20th Century, with the largest step being taken in 1964 when Jarrold purchased the adjacent Corn Hall on the Exchange Street and Bedford Street frontage. The new building opened in 1965 with enlarged book and household departments and, for the first time, ladies clothing. Further improvements and expansion over the past forty years have seen Jarrold evolve into Norwich's flagship independent store. In 2004 the company bought the last part of the 'block', at 9-11 London Street and redeveloped this site incorporating the main store. Following this expansion and the opening of a stunning shoe department, MAC cosmetics and a hair salon in the redeveloped space, Jarrolds were proud to be awarded the prize of Independent Department Store of the Year by the UK's top trade magazine 'Drapers'. In 2005 the company acquired the Pilch sports store in Norwich, a much-loved family owned sports specialist store and by relocating it to London Street in 2006, were able to treble the size of the store, add many new sports and develop the specialist advice offered.