Tiny building in St Andrews Street in Norwich explained

Situated in St Andrews Street, a stone's throw from the church, many pass it every day but never give it a second look. 

Vanessa Trevelyan, of the Norwich Society, has revealed the little building's rather illustrious life. 

Have you ever looked at this building and wondered what it was ever used for? (Image: Google Maps)

"The structure was built as a house in the 15th century and owned by merchant Francis Rugge who was an MP for Norwich," she said.

"He was sheriff in 1572 and mayor in 1598 and 1602."

It is believed that the remaining building is just one of five original bay houses that were erected on the site. 

The first floor was used as a guest room and there was a store room on the ground floor. 

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The large doorway was needed so carts and horses could enter to unload in privacy.

"It later became a church hall with a passage from the cellar leading off towards St Andrews church," Ms Trevelyan said.

"Recently this has been sealed off by a brick wall."

Nowadays, the minuscule building is not open to the public, being owned by BT which manages it and neighbouring Russell House.

The building traces its roots back to the 1500s (Image: Norwich Society)

But in the 19th century, the building was part of a school for girls which first opened in 1708.

It was founded along with eight other charity schools and expanded into the Tudor merchant house in the same century.

But its many unique purposes throughout the ages did not end there.

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Ms Trevelyan added: "When the school moved out in 1930, a cinema was built on the site and all but the current remaining fragment of the house was demolished.

"By 1970, the Post Office telecommunications took over and preserved the Tudor fragment which was used to house the Norwich Area Telephone Museum."

Do you have an interesting piece of history or heritage you would like to send in? Email ed.peters@newsquest.co.uk