HISTORY:
Whilst there may have been a house on this site as early as 1422, the first incarnation of the building as it stands today, is best attributed to Richard Browne, who is said to have built it in 1587.   Richard Browne, a Sheriff of Norwich, seems to have continued in ownership until his death in 1595.
The next interesting event in the history of this house was when it became a so called "Bishop's Palace".   Bishop Joseph Hall, known as "The English Seneca" and author of "The Meditations", was made Bishop of Norwich at the beginning of the Civil War in 1642 but by 1647 he'd fallen foul of the Puritans and was ejected from the See, hence the need to set up his own establishment.
As a deposed bishop he remained in Heigham for thirteen years.   However, despite reaching the age of 80, he was unable to outlive his problems and died in 1656, the same year as Oliver Cromwell.
The name "DOLPHIN" probably reflects of the use of the river behind the inn as a swimming pool.   However, the stone plaque of a Dolphin did not appear until the restoration by Steward & Patterson's Brewery - a most convenient misrepresentation of a previous heraldic plaque.   The lead dolphin, which was used as a model, is in the possession of Robin Brierley, grandson of Edward James Popey, one of the brewery architects.
At some date, Earl Rosebery, is thought to have been a resident.

TIMELINE:
Items in this list should not be regarded as continuous.

1422 House probably existing on this site at this date.
1587 Building or rebuilding by Richard Browne
1647 Became Bishop Hall's "Palace"
1750 Innkeeper: Thomas Speight, who according to Walter Wicks held flower shows there.
1752 Innkeeper: Joseph Burton (probably)
1768 Innkeeper: Henry Slack
1802 Innkeeper: Stephen Borough
1811 Innkeeper: Stephen Burrows (sic)
1812 Innkeeper: James Riches (possibly)
1818 Conveyed by Robert Harvey to John Morse, brewer.
1830 Publican: John Read
1840 Publican: William Custance
1842 Publican: Elizabeth Custance
1845 Publican: Robert Steward
1849 Anthony Wills died, he is said to have been innkeeper at the Dolphin
1864 Publican: Thomas Maxwell
1869 Publican: Thomas Rant
1879 Publican: Thomas Rant
1881 Publican: Francis Rant
1930s Restorations by Steward & Patterson, Brewers.
1943 Destroyed by enemy action
1960 Rebuilt and faithfully restored. Architect: Fletcher-Watson & Co. of Pulls Ferry, Norwich.
2001 The Dolphin continues its historic role as a Public House