Royal Arcade celebrates 125 years

A decorative indoor shopping avenue is marking 125 years in the centre of a city.

The Royal Arcade in Norwich, a combination of Victorian architecture and Art Nouveau style, opened on 24 May 1899.

It was the creation of local architect George Skipper and is currently home to a range of independent shops selling everything from vintage fashion and art to cafes and bars.

The arcade has been decorated with bunting as celebratory events, including dancing and food tasting, are planned for Friday.

The Grade II* listed Royal Arcade lies between Gentleman’s Walk (originally named as a "promenade") in front of the city's market, and Castle Street.

According to the former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, Skipper "was to Norwich what Gaudi was to Barcelona".

The arcade was built on the site of the Royal Hotel, which was formerly the Angel Inn, a 15th Century coaching house on Gentleman’s Walk.

Architect Skipper was responsible for the designs of many of Norwich's commercial buildings, as well as hotels, country residences and public buildings throughout East Anglia, Somerset and London.

To mark its 125th birthday, events including Morris dancing, a talk about the architect, newly commissioned photographs of shopkeepers and food and drink tastings are planned throughout Friday.

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