Carrow House - Norwich

Carrow House is a Grade II listed Victorian villa on King Street in Norwich. Built in the mid-19th century and remodelled in 1861, it is an elegant example of Italianate architecture and was the family home of the Colmans, founders of J & J Colman Ltd. The house formed part of the wider Carrow Works complex, once synonymous with Colman’s Mustard production and a major part of Norwich’s industrial heritage.

Following the closure of the mustard factory in 2020, Carrow House was purchased by Norwich City Council as part of the East Norwich regeneration project. Today, it has been revitalised as a creative and community hub, providing workspace for charities, social enterprises and artists, as well as hosting events, weddings and cultural activities within its historic interiors and gardens.

Venue History

Carrow House began life as a mid-19th century villa on King Street in Norwich, standing on land that was part of the historic Carrow Works estate — the long-established industrial site of J & J Colman Ltd. In about 1860–1861, the successful mustard and milling entrepreneur Jeremiah James Colman purchased the property and had the original villa extensively rebuilt, most likely to designs by local architect Edward Boardman, turning it into a substantial family residence from which he could oversee his nearby manufacturing operations. The Italianate country house was later extended in 1895, with the addition of an ornate Victorian conservatory by Norwich firm Boulton and Paul Ltd that featured intricate ironwork, stained glass and dove-tailed mosaic floors — now recognised as an important heritage structure.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carrow House remained at the heart of the expanding Colman estate as the company grew into one of the UK’s most iconic condiment producers. The site around it gradually developed into a sprawling industrial complex on the banks of the River Wensum, with the villa’s interiors reflecting both domestic comfort and the close association to the family’s business. In 1922 the house was converted into offices for the firm, and later in 1959 a substantial post-war office block known as New Carrow House was added adjoining it. Over the following decades the house and its grounds passed through different phases of use and vacancy. In 2021, Norwich City Council bought the site as part of the wider East Norwich regeneration programme, investing in refurbishment and repurposing the historic building as a hub for charities, arts organisations and community activities. In the mid-2020s it was also granted approval to host weddings, performances and public events, ensuring Carrow House remains a vibrant part of Norwich’s cultural and civic life.

Accessibility

Carrow House is a Grade II-listed building that has been repurposed by the Norwich Unity Hub into an accessible community space, featuring specific facilities to aid accessibility.
Key accessibility features include:
Entrances & Access: Wheelchair accessible entrances are available, with many ground-floor spaces (including the Orangery, Garden Room, and reception) designed to be accessible.
Restrooms: The venue includes a large accessible toilet, with ongoing fundraising to install a Changing Places toilet on the third floor.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available, including designated spaces for Blue Badge holders.
Vertical Mobility: Lifts are available in the office block, with upper-floor studios (Level 5) noted as accessible.

How the Event Will Pan Out

Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect this evening:

• Arrival and Welcome (Now!): We're kicking things off right now with this welcome speech and a brief overview of the night.

• Team Assignments: You'll be divided into smaller groups, each led by one of our experienced paranormal investigators. This ensures everyone gets a chance to explore and engage.

• Investigation Sessions: Each group will rotate through different investigation areas. We'll be using a variety of equipment, from EMF meters to spirit boxes, to try and make contact. Our investigators will guide you through the process and explain how everything works.

• Breaks: There will be breaks throughout the night. Your Group Leader will let you know when this is. There will be hot and cold drinks, as well as a tuck shop.

• Lone Time: You may have the opportunity to have some alone time to explore your favourite parts of the location. This will depend on time and the location rules.

• Debrief and Discussion: After the investigation sessions, we'll all gather back together to share our experiences, compare notes, and discuss any unusual occurrences.

• Q&A: We'll then open the floor for any questions you might have for our team.