At the end of an alleyway off Colegate stands the Old Meeting House, which was built in 1693 by prominent Norwich Nonconformists. Its red-brick south front is attractively symmetrical, with two rows of sash windows, which are said to be the earliest in Norwich. The interior is impressively plain, with galleries on three sides looking down on curving rows of pews and a tall pulpit. The Old Meeting House is still used occasionally for services.
In the 18th century, when the weaving trade was thriving, several wealthy textile manufacturers made their homes in Colegate. Their elegant houses faced the street, with gardens and coach houses behind. The Octagon (top-left) was built to replace a Presbyterian chapel, which had been hidden from the road. The new chapel was given a wide entrance with great carriage gates by its architect, Thomas ivory, who was also responsible for the design of the Assembly House. The Octagon is a brick building with arched sash windows and an elegant portico. Inside the chapel, a ring of Corinthian columns is linked by galleries and at their tops by arches. Rows of pews rise in tiers in the central floor area, and underneath and upon the galleries. The Octagon has been a Unitarian chapel since the beginning of the 19th century.
Only ten of the city's medieval churches are now used for worship, and in recent years many have been found alternative uses. The Norwich Historic Churches Trust cares for 17 redundant medieval churches, 16 of which are now used for other purposes (including other Christian activities, but also as arts venues, antiques markets and even a 'hands on' science centre).
