About All Hallows
Built in the late 1950s, All Hallows Guesthouse began life as a convent, closely connected to St Julian's Church and the Julian of Norwich Cell. Hospitality has always been central to our mission and continues to be so today. Now an integral part of the Julian Shrine, All Hallows provides a warm welcome to visiting travellers or pilgrims of any background. In offering hospitality, we aim to bring people into connection with the fascinating and illuminating person and work of our beloved Julian of Norwich, a medieval anchoress who lived and wrote here and became the first woman to write a book in the English language.
A core aim of All Hallows Guesthouse is to steward our precious planet with utmost respect. That is why our bedding is made from recycled plastic, our towels and linen are 100% organic cotton, and our toilet paper is made from unbleached, fast-growing bamboo. Our continental breakfasts are sourced thoughtfully from sustainable, local sources, and our cleaning supplies are plastic free and nature-friendly. If you have any questions about where we source anything or the process behind our decision-making, don't hesitate to ask.
At All Hallows we house the Julian of Norwich reference library, as well as offering a private study space for those using it.
The Residents of All Hallows
Guesthouse
The people behind the project
All Hallows is family run, managed by Josiah English, the Resident Steward, who lives on site with wife Jo Lee and their Pembroke corgi. Josiah's brand of simple but authentic hospitality was inspired by the traditions of Eastern Europe where he trained and has spent much time exploring. As well as being an urban retreat, All Hallows focuses on traditional crafts and life's simple pleasures, from homemade sourdough for breakfast to handmade touches utilising heritage skills around the house and garden, and hand-cut log fires in winter.
Josiah English
Resident Steward
Josiah is happiest when sharing his love of local history and 'encyclopaedic' knowledge of Norfolk and Norwich pubs with guests. Since his arrival in 2022, he has managed All Hallows using his love of medieval history, hospitality, interior decorating (with a penchant for antiques) and crafting including bread-baking, pyrography, DIY skills and more to create a homely, inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Jo Lee English
Also known as the 'resident wife', Jo Lee is a huge part of the warmth and welcome guests receive at All Hallows. Endlessly creative, she puts her talents into beautifying whatever space she occupies, and All Hallows is no exception. Guests can admire her medieval embroidery, hand-painted tiles, not to mention the curtains modified to fit each room. In her other life Jo is a qualified sewing machine mechanic.
Jordan
Our newest team member at All Hallows, Jordan, is at his happiest either when visiting a National Trust property or sampling a new coffee shop in Norwich and beyond. Along with being fastidiously clean and tidy, Jordan is a great asset to All Hallows in his work as receptionist, offering all guests a warm welcome on arrival with his native Sheffield dulcet tones.
Eilonwy
The most important team member, Eilonwy (eye-LOHN-wee) the House dog, is a firm favourite with guests. A youthful Pembroke corgi, she wins hearts on a daily basis with her cheery personality and enthusiasm for life.