Britons Arms Coffee Shop, Elm Hill: The Most Famous Street In Norwich
The Britons Arms is a rare survivor in Elm Hill, the most complete medieval street in Norwich.
A major fire destroyed almost everything in Elm Hill in 1507 - in total, 700 historic buildings were lost during the four-day blaze.
However, the properties were rebuilt and now we can enjoy a beautiful cobbled street with merchants’ houses, thatching, individual homes, speciality shops and small cafes.
The only building in the street to survive the fire was what is now the Britons Arms - we explain more about this historic building below.
Elm Hill is a photographer’s dream; whatever the season it retains its character and beauty.
In summer, you can wander around browsing shops such as The Bear Shop, a quaint little place specialising in bears and collectables.
Elm Hill takes its name from a succession of elm trees which have stood in the small square to the top of the hill.
The last of these was felled in 1979, having succumbed to Dutch elm disease, and was replaced by a London plane, which is thriving nicely.
The first evidence for the existence of the street dates from the early 13th century, at which time it continued in a straight line westward beyond the present bend at the top of the hill for a further quarter of a mile or so.
It was diverted to its present line in the fifteenth century to accommodate the building of the St Andrew's and Blackfriars' halls for the Dominican friars.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Elm Hill and the river were important commercial thoroughfares.
The river was the route from which raw materials were imported and finished products exported via Great Yarmouth.
At this time there was industrial prosperity in Norwich due largely to the arrival of religious refugees from Europe and the settlement of a large number of weavers, dyers, goldsmiths and other skilled craftsmen.
Many wealthy merchants had their houses facing Elm Hill with their factories and workshops at the rear.
Today, Elm Hill is lined on both sides mostly by timber framed merchants' houses which were built in the early sixteenth century following the fire.
The scenic destination has also been used as a location for television and film productions, most notably for the 2007 film Stardust and also Netflix's 2020 film Jingle Jangle.
The Britons Arms
We highly recommend a visit to The Britons Arms if you’re planning a trip to this lovely street.
It’s the only building to have survived the devastating fire.
The building's architectural features, such as its exposed timber frame, herringbone brickwork, and leaded windows, highlight its historical significance and make it an essential part of Elm Hill's character.
It’s a prime example of the well-preserved medieval buildings that give Elm Hill its unique charm and atmosphere.
Built in 1347, the Briton’s Arms, originally called ‘Ye Goddes House’, is believed to have been a beguinage, housing beguines, lay religious women who lived in community without taking vows or retiring from the world.
In 1507, it remarkably survived the destruction by fire of much of the historic centre of Norwich, including most of the medieval buildings on Elm Hill.
The building has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including as a barber surgeon in the 15th century, and in connection with the wool trade in the 17th and 18th century.
It was first recorded as an ale house in 1760.
In 1954, the historic building was Grade 2 listed, making it of historic national importance.
Today, The Britons Arms offers hearty and sustaining breakfasts, delightful and rejuvenating elevenses, interesting and eclectic British lunches, and also tea, coffee, cake and other treats through the afternoon.
On top of this, they offer afternoon teas throughout the week, and evening menus on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Britons Arms are also licensed, and serve a range of wines, beers, ciders and spirits with meals. On Sundays, a delicious roast dinner is served from twelve till three.
If you’re looking for a real hidden gem of Norwich, the Britons Arms courtyard is a beautiful place to unwind with a glass of something sparkling!
The Bear Shop
Our second favourite building in Elm Hill is the Bear Shop.
Here since 1990, they provide a personal service to bear lovers who are warmly welcomed to the shop.
They’re renowned for their very large choice of bears, friendly staff, and prompt service.
They are housed in a beautiful Tudor building opposite a lovely plane tree which stands in place of the original Elm Hill elm.
The building has two large Georgian glass windows which are always displayed with bears, and shelves upon shelves of bears created by talented artists and sought-after manufacturers.
Even on the coldest and dampest of days there is a warm glow from the windows onto the cobbles in the street.
Visitors are drawn in, and once inside they are encouraged to interact with the bears.
Elm Hill is situated just give minutes away from the cathedral - the most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.
Founded in 1096, Norwich Cathedral has welcomed visitors and pilgrims for over 900 and continues to adopting its founding principles offering a welcoming place to all who visit.
The Cathedral boasts the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloister in England and is home to a renowned and famous collection of over 1,000 medieval roof carvings and a selection of original Norman wall paintings.
As well as the awe inspiring Cathedral, you can enjoy the tranquility of the Cathedral Close, stop for lunch or a drink in the Refectory, visit the Library with its collection of over 30,000 books and view the collection of treasures within the Cathedral’s Treasury.
Other attractions include the relaxing Herb Garden and Exhibition Space which hosts a programme on local, national and international exhibitions throughout the year.
Someone who recently visited Elm Hill, said: “Gorgeous! We recommend getting coffee, drinks or food on the Britons Arms’ rooftop. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is beautiful.
Another person added: “Lovely quirky part of Norwich with lovely old buildings and interesting shops. Loved the Bear shop and visited a couple of little book shops along the way.
”Really pretty area with lots of history and interesting buildings.”
Situated in the centre of Norwich city, Elm Hill is easily found on foot and is only 5 minutes walk from Norwich Cathedral.
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