[14]The inner side of the wall from the south east.

Conservation Plan

The present setting:

The present setting of the wall is not good.  It is hard pressed by buildings and yards on the north side and on the south side the land in front of the wall is divided between the small car park of the printing works and the yard of the motor cycle repair shop on St Augustine's Street. [14] The area on the eastern part, used as a car park, has recently been covered with gravel which is an improvement as it was just bare earth.

At the west end a narrow alley way, less than a metre wide, provides access into the yards of the 19th-century terraced houses and shops on St Augustine's Street and Magpie Road.

Potential medium or long-term improvements recommended for the surroundings:

No opportunity for improvement can be envisaged.

Archaeological impact assessment:

It seems unlikely that there will be any opportunity for archaeological investigation in this section.  At most an attempt should be made to arrange access with the owner of the printing works to undertake a survey of what remains of the tower.

CONSERVATION REPORT SUMMARY WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

1. Immediate attention

• Re-bed loose flints with appropriate lime mortar mix particularly above the east arch

2. Requires regular monitoring

• Water damage to the brick arches should be monitored and broken or loose bricks should be re bedded.

• Remove vegetation from the top of the wall

• Ensure that the rounded top of the wall, particularly at the west end, is throwing off rain water rather than allowing it to permeate the soft core.

3. Long term conservation

• Rake out hard grey cement render and re-point with appropriate lime mortar mix

• The north side of the wall may well require attention.  The wall is hidden behind boarding in the main work shop of the printing works

4. Improvements to the setting

Priority

• Consider building a low brick wall 800mm high and about 1 metre in front of the medieval wall to reinstate the medieval ground level.  This should protect the base of the wall from further damage from cars or trailers parked close to it

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Blyth, G.K., The Norwich Guide and Directory (London: R. Hastings;
  Norwich: Josiah Fletcher, 1842)
Collins, Arthur E., The Walls of Norwich (City and County of Norwich,
  Norwich: Jarrold & Sons, 1910)
Hudson, William, and Tingey, John C., The Records of the City of Norwich,
  vol. II (Norwich & London: Jarrold & Sons, 1910), pages 216-22, Extract
from The Old Free Book

DOCUMENTARY REFERENCES:

No specific references.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORTS:

NF26451

HISTORIC ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE DATA BASE: