The 11th-century house hidden underneath Norwich's court.

Alright?

Sorry I’m late. It’s been a very busy week. So busy, in fact, that today’s newsletter isn’t fresh. It’s a dusty old attic-dweller that you’d probably have to pay for a fortune for in Looses.

Yup, this one’s from the archives. In fact, it’s the first-ever Secret Norwich newsletter. It occurred to me that most of you probably haven’t read it, which is a shame, because it’s one of Norwich’s most fascinating secrets of all.

I won’t make a habit of this, but y’know how it is - sometimes you just can’t find a spare moment.

I hope you enjoy it.

I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the hallowed halls of Norwich’s premier justice-delivering location.

But, when reading through accounts from people who have, it’s strange that none of them mention the Norman house wedged into the foundations Norwich Magistrate’s Court.

Not even this guy noticed it:

That’s probably because it’s hidden out of sight.

Discovered in the 1980s, the remains of the stone house are pretty well-preserved. Two-metre high walls, two doorways (one of which retains an original door pin) and the remnants of three windows.

But the crowning glory of the remains is the latrine turret.

What’s a latrine turret?

Upon hearing the term “latrine turret”, you’re probably envisioning something that looks like Cow Tower with an Armitage Shanks plopped on top of it.

The real definition is less spectacular, but possibly more interesting.

Built into the structure of the house, this Norman loo would’ve pointed towards the River Wensum. At its base, a semicircular arch (still intact, btw) allowed tidal waters from the River Wensum to flow beneath, naturally flushing waste away.

It’s pretty smart. It also offers historians, archaeologists and lawless oompa loompas a rare insight into Norman sanitation. These guys cared about this stuff. Particularly the ones rich enough to build girthy walls.

So next time you’re on the Wensum, sloshing your way towards the next pub on a rented kayak, spare a thought for the turds that would’ve been floating past you 900 years ago.

How can you see it?

There are three ways you can see the Norman House:

1) You can wait for the next Heritage Open Days.

2) You can be lucky enough to be on one of their rare private tours.

3) You can err…find yourself in court and excuse yourself for a longer-than-usual toilet break.

See you next week for something fresh and original.

Ta ra for now,

Secret Norwich.