Taking a look back at the former nightclub Samson and Hercules on Tombland, Norwich and how it changed over the years
After Just Lobsters closed, the former Samson and Hercules nightclub is once again in need of a new direction. Our photos reflect its previous existence as a nightclub.
%image(14803128, type=”article-full”, alt=”Arrant Library photo of Ritzy’s nightclub in Norwich, September 1988″)
The two white sculptures that once stood boldly outside are what made it renowned. The structure on Tombland has hosted a number of nightclubs, a swimming pool, and most recently, a lobster restaurant.
It is believed that Christopher Jay, the mayor of Norwich, constructed the present structure in 1657. The renowned statues were first constructed of wood, but after Samson lost one arm, white copies were added.
In the 1940s and 1950s, it was a favourite location for wedding receptions and the initial meeting place for many couples in Norwich. The location changed over time, first as a ballroom and then as Ritzy’s, Fifth Avenue, and more recently, Ikon.
At one point, there were intentions to remove the statues, which caused a public uproar. While the fact that they were painted red raised a few eyebrows, they were ultimately kept and restored.
Every Tuesday, the Evening News publishes a 12-page supplement called Norwich Through the Decades that features a selection of vintage photographs.
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