One of East Anglia’s major historical destinations has concluded almost a decade of renovations, unlocking new areas to the public, enhancing heritage assets and a modernised guest experience.
The result will bring to life one of Europe’s most important 12th-century buildings at the heart of one of its most complete medieval cities in Norfolk, UK.
Norwich Castle has always been a landmark of majesty and historical drama, but after decades of being Norwich’s anchor city attraction, the Castle Keep is being transformed back to its original form – the Great Hall and palatial residence of Norman kings.
Norfolk Museums Development Foundation say the palace is now for everyone. Measures, including the reinstatement of original medieval floor level,s ensure the Keep is fully accessible to all. New displays and events immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the Castle’s royal heyday, and rare objects reveal fascinating stories of medieval life beyond the Castle’s walls.
Accessible history
Visitors can now step back in time in the Norman Palace, exploring Henry I’s royal apartments, lavishly decorated with period-accurate furniture and textiles. Spectacular immersive audio-visual projections bring the walls of the Great Hall to life.
Over 900 objects are waiting to be discovered in the Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum Partnership, British Museum’s first medieval gallery outside London.
A new lift and staircase provide access to breathtaking views from the battlements, making the castle roof widely accessible for the first time in 900 years. The original medieval pier bases can also now be viewed in the basement, where an atmospheric light sculpture traces the stone arches which once supported the floor above.
The now completed ‘Royal Palace Reborn’ redevelopment project was possible thanks to National Lottery players, receiving £13m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and support from Norfolk County Council.
The past eight years of the project have been documented by award-winning production company Eye Film. The 70 minute feature, titled ‘The Castle, Rebuilding History’, is narrated by Sir Stephen Fry. It captures the once-in-a-lifetime journey to return the Norwich Castle Keep to its Norman splendour.
A Norfolk Museums representative said, “We had an extraordinary reopening day here at Norwich Castle. From a royal welcome by King Henry I to the last few photos snapped on the battlements, reopening day at our Royal Palace was nothing short of majestic.
“Thank you to everyone who came, explored, learned and celebrated with us. After 900 years of stories, Norwich Castle’s next chapter starts now.”
Tickets for the new Norwich Castle experience are available to pre-book online.
