The Great Hospital is a magnificent events venue with a history and beauty unrivalled in the City of Norwich.
Founded by Bishop Walter Suffield in 1249 and located in the heart of the delightful Cathedral Quarter, the Great Hospital is set within its own 7-acre site and boasts 15 listed buildings as well as extensive manicured grounds. Its historic buildings, richly adorned with architectural details, include the Church of St Helen, monastic cloisters, a fine medieval refectory, fabulous Georgian rooms and a grand late-Victorian hall.
We have spaces for weddings, fairs, exhibitions and markets of all shapes and sizes. We can also host events from intimate dining to grand banquets. Weddings at the Great Hospital can be an Afternoon Tea affair, or a buffet catered by us. DIY dry hire is also available using one of our nominated caterers or by the highly experienced, award winning team from Brasted’s.
Events at the Great Hospital are catered for by an experienced team. With many years in delivering wonderful events, they have the expertise to create your bespoke celebration.
Birkbeck Hall
This hall is a fine example of Victorian/Edwardian Gothic revival architecture. Named after the Chairman of Trustees in 1901, Sir Henry Birkbeck, this beautiful space hosts a large inglenook fireplace and solid 15th Century oak serving table. You can take a journey through time in a tapestry of our history dating back to 1249 adorning the walls.
Suitable for:
- Corporate
- Conferences
- Product Launches
- Wedding Receptions
- Private Dining
- Charity Events
- Civic Events
Information:
- Capacity for Canapé Reception: 150
- Formal Dining: 120
- Buffet Receptions: 130
- Theatre Style: 150
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- WIFI
Medieval Refectory
Set west of the cloisters, this wonderful hall boasts tie beams, carved spandrels, and kingposts supporting the roof. A grand open fireplace and an original 16th Century solid oak refectory table add to the charm. This delightful room is overlooked by a ‘minstrels’ gallery’, perfect for capturing your event on camera.
This hall can be used in conjunction with the Birkbeck Hall to host a perfect drinks and canapé reception prior to formal dinner.
Also suitable for:
- Corporate
- Conferences
- Product Launches
- Wedding Receptions
- Private Dining
- Charity Events
- Civic Events
Information:
- Capacity for Canapé Reception: 100
- Formal Dining: 60
- Theatre Style: 100
- WIFI
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Ivory Room
The Ivory Room is an intimate meeting and events space in the magnificent Georgian house of St Helen’s House. This building was the brainchild of renowned local architect, Sir Thomas Ivory, in the 18th Century, who also designed and built the Octagon Chapel and the Assembly House.
Approaching the Ivory Room, you will enter a curved panelled door that opens into an oval anteroom on the first floor painted with grisaille panels in a Pompeian style. This leads you to the Ivory and Music rooms. Both rooms are elegant with highly decorated domical ceilings.
The Ivory Room is a beautiful formal dining room which is most suitable for:
- Business Meetings
- Light Business Lunches
- Canapés
- Private Dining
- Intimate weddings
Information:
- Capacity max of 20
- WIFI
Full room layouts for your bespoke event can be confirmed with the Great Hospital.
How to Book
To discuss your requirements and book your bespoke event please contact our Events and Catering Manager Mel Benns on 01603 622022 or mel@greathospital.org.uk.
