Bridewell Alley in the heart of Norwich holds the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, a local history museum set within a building that dates back centuries. The museum occupies a former bridewell – a type of prison and workhouse – giving visitors a glimpse into Norwich’s social and criminal history alongside everyday life across the centuries. The collection spans domestic items, trades, crafts and artefacts that illuminate how ordinary people lived in this Norfolk city from medieval times onwards.
The museum sits on Bridewell Alley in the NR2 postal district, within walking distance of Norwich Cathedral and the medieval city centre. Admission is charged, and the venue is managed by Norfolk Museums Service. The building itself, with its historic fabric and confined spaces, adds authenticity to the experience of understanding how prisoners and paupers were held and worked within these walls.