Mysterious markings on a city building have created a debate among city folk as to what they could mean.

The Samson and Hercules building in Norwich's Tombland is now owned by mortgage broker firm Mortgage Advice Bureau but was once the home to Mayor Christopher Jay, who built it in 1657.

It is normally the huge statues of Samson and Hercules as the entry to the building that grab people's attention.

Three monks are dotted along the roof gablesThree monks are dotted along the roof gables (Image: Denise Bradley) However, the more beady-eyed city walkers have spotted that the facade features a bird motif on the downpipe and carvings of what appear to be monks along the roof gables.

There has been a lot of speculation as to what the features could mean, but not one definitive answer. 

READ MORE: 'Unexpected discoveries' cause plans to open piano bar in city church to fall through

Many have put the monk figurines down to the fact the building is directly opposite a former Benedictine monastery.

Bird figurines can be seen on the building's downpipeBird figurines can be seen on the building's downpipe (Image: Denise Bradley) Samson and Hercules House is said to be haunted by the ghosts of three monks who died in a plague in 1578, and these three monks could be a nod to that rumour.

Some have linked the bird figurines to Christopher Jay, while others question whether they are a trader's sign which was common in the medieval period and in the centuries following to mark for those who couldn't read what the building was.

Do you know what these emblems are? Let us know by emailing emily.goodwin@newsquest.co.uk.