Step inside a 16th-century merchant's house and immerse yourself in Norwich's rich history on a new guided tour. 

The Shoebox Experiences' new tour is called Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants and it launched in August this year.

It starts outside St Clement’s Church in Colegate and the tour is packed full of tales of prominent figures and the industries that put Norwich on the map.

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At the end of the tour, you will go inside a 16th-century merchant's house that was discovered in the late 1980s. 

Norwich Evening News: Explore the city's quieter streets on a new guided tour Explore the city's quieter streets on a new guided tour (Image: Shoebox Experiences)

Now home to Anteros Arts Foundation on Fye Bridge, the stunning building had been hidden from view due to modernisation over the decades.

Lisa Willett, customer experience manager at The Shoebox Experiences, said: "At my first job in the late 1980s, I was working for a local architects firm who were working with Norwich Preservation Trust to preserve a range of historic buildings in Fye Bridge Street. 

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"Little did we know that hidden behind what was the Istanbul Kebab Shop in Fye Bridge Street, there was this gem of a building - a 16th-century merchant's house.

Norwich Evening News: Learn about Norwich's rich history on the Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants TourLearn about Norwich's rich history on the Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants Tour (Image: Shoebox Experiences)

"It was only when stud walls were taken down that Norwich's largest timber window came into view. 

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"Then the modern ceilings came down when another amazing find was discovered, the original wooden panelled ceiling. 

"What we see today is a fantastic restored building, where many of the original features still exist. 

"Finishing our tour there feels like I've gone full circle in my job."

Norwich Evening News: Lisa Willett leading a tour group outside the Anteros Arts Foundation building - a 16th-century merchant's houseLisa Willett leading a tour group outside the Anteros Arts Foundation building - a 16th-century merchant's house (Image: Shoebox Experiences)

Tours last 90 minutes and run on selected Saturdays throughout the year.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £8 for children aged 4-12 and under 4s go free.

20pc of the ticket price goes to Anteros Arts Foundation and the rest funds The Shoebox Community Hub's projects, based along Castle Meadow. 

Book tickets at theshoebox.org.uk