Church of St Michael At Plea

St Michael at Plea stands on Redwell Street in Norwich, a Grade I listed medieval church built mostly between 1430 and 1468. It was first recorded in 1126 and served as a parish church until 1971. The name ‘at Plea’ refers to its use as a meeting place for courts or assemblies. Five churches in Norwich and over 600 across the UK are dedicated to St Michael. The building passed through different families and institutions, including St Benet’s Abbey and the Bacon family, who held the right to appoint rectors. The church’s history includes involvement in the Martin Marprelate controversy in 1589. During the Reformation it spent £20 on new glazing for seventeen windows. In 1887 it was restored, removing a chancel partition, adding new windows and gilding the roof angels. The church became a Grade I listed building in 1954. After closing in 1971 it served as a Christian bookshop before becoming The Church, a piano bar opening in 2026. Inside, visitors find rare medieval panel paintings, including depictions of the Betrayal and Crucifixion. Three groups of panels survive, showing scenes from the life of Christ and saints. The church also holds prominent burial monuments to the De Hems family. The building now functions as a piano bar with seating for up to 130 people. Its medieval structure and furnishings remain visible despite later changes.