Dragon Hall, Norwich
The building stands on what was the main road through the city in the 15th century, with river transport links via Great Yarmouth to the Low Countries.On the northern part of the site, in the late 13th century, the abbey at Woburn, Bedfordshire, had a fish processing operation with various outbuildings and a track to a staithe or quay.In about 1330 an L-shaped domestic 'hall house' owned by John Page was built on the southern part of the site with an undercroft and an entrance on the south side from Old Barge Yard.Poor quality tenements were gradually built up behind the building and in Old Barge Yard, the lane on the southern side.[2] Following deeper examination by the Norwich Survey, based at the University of East Anglia, architectural historians and other interested people realised that the building was of great historical importance and a committee was set up to restore the hall.In 1979 Norwich City Council bought the building which was by then uninhabited and a major programme of fund raising, restoration and research began.Following a major Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2005/06, further improvements were made, including the addition of a north wing with displays, a lift, offices, a kitchen and a meeting room.