Fresh look for an historic landmark

Grilles will be placed over the restored windows to protect them

A landmark building in Norfolk is undergoing a £275,000 restoration which will allow it to be reopened to the public.

The Guildhall in Norwich has been a civic centre, courtroom, jail and a tearoom since it was built in the early 1400s.

Now the historic building, which for more than 500 years was the seat of local government, is being cleaned and its delicate stained glass windows are being restored.

Experts have already begun work cleaning the windows while the building's crypt and former cells are being prepared for public entry.

Glass restorer Terry Devlin said the work had been very difficult as the ancient windows were extremely fragile.

Months of worry

"It has been an absolute nightmare to work on," he said. "The paint on some of the panes was quite fragile so modern methods could not be used to clean it."

Andrew Nunn, who is overseeing the restoration for Norwich City Council, said taking the windows apart to clean had caused him a few worries.

"We are nearing the end of six or seven months of worry and doubt, but it is very pleasing to see it all going back in and fitting properly," he said.

"It will all be worthwhile when people can look at the window again."

Once the work is complete the aim will be to reopen up the lower levels of the Guildhall to the public.

This will include the cells which were in use until the 1980s

The newly cleaned and repaired stained glass windows will have metal grilles placed over them to protect them from vandals.