Blackfriars, Norwich facts for kids

Blackfriars, Norwich was a friary in Norfolk, England. Today, it is a well-known historic building in the city of Norwich, used for many public events. It has a long and interesting history, starting as a home for a special group of religious men called friars.

What is a Friary?

A friary was a place where friars lived. Friars were religious men, similar to monks, but with a key difference. Monks usually lived apart from the world in monasteries. They spent their lives praying and working within their monastery walls.

Friars, however, lived among people in towns and cities. They went out into the community to preach, teach, and help others. They often relied on donations from people to live. The friars at Blackfriars, Norwich, belonged to an order called the Dominicans. They were also known as "Black Friars" because of the black cloaks they wore over their white robes.

The Black Friars of Norwich

The Dominican friars first came to Norwich in the 13th century. They built their friary around the year 1266. It was located near the River Wensum, which was a busy part of the city. The friary complex included a church, a cloister (a covered walkway), living quarters, and other buildings.

The friars played an important role in Norwich life. They preached sermons, taught in schools, and helped the poor and sick. They were known for their learning and their dedication to spreading Christian teachings.

Life at the Friary

Life for the friars was disciplined and focused on their religious duties. They would wake early for prayers and spend their days studying, preaching, and helping the community. They lived simply, following strict rules set by their order.

The friary church was a large and impressive building. It was used for daily services and also for public sermons. People from Norwich would come to the friary to listen to the friars preach and to seek their guidance.

The Dissolution and New Beginnings

The story of Blackfriars changed dramatically in the 16th century. King Henry VIII decided to close down all monasteries and friaries in England. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The King wanted to take control of the wealth and lands of these religious houses.

In 1538, the Blackfriars friary in Norwich was closed. The friars were forced to leave, and their property was taken by the Crown. Many religious buildings across England were destroyed or left to fall apart.

From Friary to Public Hall

Luckily, the buildings of Blackfriars were saved from destruction. The people of Norwich, led by the city's mayor, bought the friary buildings from King Henry VIII. They wanted to use the large church and other halls for public events.

The former friary church became St. Andrew's Hall. The friars' dining hall became Blackfriars' Hall. These buildings were then used for city meetings, banquets, and other important gatherings. This was a very early example of a city taking over a religious building for public use.

Blackfriars Today

Today, Blackfriars' Hall and St. Andrew's Hall are still very important buildings in Norwich. They are now known collectively as The Halls, Norwich. They are one of the largest and most complete friary complexes still standing in England.

The Halls are used for a wide range of events. You might find concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and even graduation ceremonies happening there. They are a popular venue for arts and culture in Norwich. They stand as a reminder of the city's long history and how old buildings can find new life.