Dereham Assembly Rooms
Dereham Assembly Rooms, Ruthen Place, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 2TX
The imposing brick building, which is not normally open to the public, was built shortly after Thomas Ivory remodelled the celebrated Assembly House in Norwich, and sixty years before a similar building was built in Swaffham. This indicates the increasing affluence of the merchants and gentry in the Dereham area as their social life became more focused on the local urban community. The Assembly Rooms were built to provide a venue for fashionable gatherings (or ‘assemblies’) as well as for lectures, concerts, civic and local government, and for local societies. The building hosted County and Magistrates’ Courts. Thanks are due to Dereham Town Council for facilitating the opening of the Rooms. A brief history of the Assembly Rooms will be on sale.
The Rooms were accessed through the side entrance topped by a fine iron fanlight. From this hall, a winding staircase led up to the Assembly Room itself. There was a gallery for an orchestra fronted with a wrought-iron balcony. The portrait of George III was given to the Assembly Rooms on the king’s birthday in 1765 by the Marquis of Townshend. He also gave a ‘noble and public entertainment with fireworks’ in recognition of the welcome and accommodation which had been given to the western battalion of the Norfolk Militia which he commanded.
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Come along and enter her world. Imagine yourself dancing at a Regency assembly. You might even meet Mr Darcy!
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000 - 1600
Location & directions
Dereham Assembly Rooms, Ruthen Place, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 2TX
- Directions:
- The Assembly Rooms are in Dereham Market Place.
- Contact on day:
- Jane Heyburn
- Telephone number:
- +447858359261
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The Assembly Room itself is on the first floor. There is a chair lift from the ground floor to the first floor. There is a large free car park adjacent to the Cherry Tree pub on the other side of the Market Place. There is also short term parking in the Market Place.
Additional information
Dereham has a wealth of coffee shops etc providing refreshments throughout the day.
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
