Norwich Castle stands as one of England’s most important Norman fortifications, representing nearly a thousand years of political power, military strength, and cultural transformation. Commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest and completed in 1121, this Grade I-listed keep has served as a royal palace, county prison, and now a world-class museum. Following a £27.5 million restoration, the castle offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the splendour of medieval life, alongside collections of fine art, archaeology, and natural history that rank among the nation’s finest.
Foundation of Norwich Castle and Norman Rule
The origins of Norwich Castle lie in the turbulent years following 1066, when William the Conqueror consolidated his control across England. Between 1066 and 1075, the Normans selected a commanding site at the end of the Ber Street ridge, overlooking the town and the surrounding countryside. This position gave strategic dominance over the growing settlement of Norwich while symbolising Norman authority.
Archaeological research confirms that between 17 and 113 Saxon homes were demolished to clear the site. The first version of the castle took the form of a motte and bailey structure with wooden defences, rapidly erected to establish dominance. By 1094, construction began on the stone keep, which remains to this day, built using Caen limestone imported from Normandy. The decision to use such prestigious stone emphasised the wealth and ambition of the Norman crown.
Military Conflicts and Early Sieges
Norwich Castle quickly became a focal point of rebellion and defence. In 1075, during the Revolt of the Earls, the castle was besieged by royal forces after Ralph de Gael, Earl of Norfolk, joined a rebellion against William I. Remarkably, Ralph’s wife Emma commanded the garrison, holding the fortress for three months before surrender.
The castle was again embroiled in conflict in 1173–1174, when Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk, seized it with a force of over 800 soldiers, including Flemish mercenaries. Prisoners were ransomed, and the keep demonstrated both its strength and vulnerability in the struggle for East Anglia’s loyalty.
Architectural Brilliance of the Norman Keep
Described by 19th-century antiquary G.T. Clark as “the most highly ornamented keep in England”, Norwich Castle is an architectural marvel. The keep measures approximately 95 by 90 feet and rises to 70 feet, making it one of the largest Norman keeps in the country.
Its defining feature is the decorative arcading that adorns the exterior—rows of blind arches that create a uniquely striking effect, unmatched except perhaps at Castle Rising in Norfolk. Unlike many castles built primarily for defence, Norwich’s design reflects its function as a royal residence, with evidence of a chapel, kitchens, a great hall, and sixteen latrines, remarkable luxuries for the period.
The entrance was originally located on the first floor, accessible through the Bigod Tower, reinforcing its dual role as palace and fortress.
Restorations and Salvin’s Re-facing
Between 1835 and 1839, architect Anthony Salvin undertook major repairs, refacing the keep with Bath stone while carefully replicating the Norman ornamentation. Though controversial at the time—local artist Edward Thomas Daniell called it a “scandalous re-facing”—the restoration preserved the building’s integrity, ensuring that the castle retained its commanding appearance into the modern age.
From Royal Palace to County Prison
By the mid-14th century, Norwich Castle had ceased to function as a royal residence. In 1345, Edward III transferred ownership to the city, transforming it into the county gaol. For the next five centuries, it served as a prison, undergoing numerous alterations to suit its grim purpose.
In the 18th century, architect Sir John Soane built new prison buildings within the keep, though these proved inadequate. In the 1820s, William Wilkins designed an expanded prison complex with radiating wings from a central governor’s house, alongside a new courthouse. At its peak, the prison contained nearly 300 cells, with facilities such as a treadwheel for pumping water.
Archaeological Insights into Medieval Life
Excavations by Oxford Archaeology East in 2018 revealed important details about Norwich Castle’s development. Researchers confirmed that the mound was constructed in two distinct phases, with the earlier motte dating from 1067–1094 and the later enlargement around 1094–1122.
Finds included 13th-century pottery, animal bones, fish remains, and metalwork, shedding light on the diet of medieval elites. Particularly notable was the discovery of a gold ring from the early 1200s and evidence of sophisticated waste disposal systems, offering insights into the domestic life of Norman nobility.
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
In 1894, the castle’s prison closed, and the keep was reborn as the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Today, it holds internationally significant collections, including:
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The world’s largest teapot collection, with over 2,500 examples spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
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The Norwich School of Painters, Britain’s first provincial art movement, featuring works by John Crome, John Sell Cotman, and others.
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Archaeology and natural history collections, including the Fountaine-Neimy butterfly collection, Anglo-Saxon jewellery, and Roman artefacts.
The Royal Palace Reborn Project
In 2025, Norwich Castle completed its most ambitious restoration yet—the Royal Palace Reborn Project. With a total investment of £27.5 million, the project meticulously reconstructed the medieval interior, reinstating the original five floors of the keep for the first time in 900 years.
Visitors can now explore:
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The Great Hall, complete with banquet tables, silk banners, and carved thrones.
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The Royal Apartments, featuring gilded furniture, wall paintings, and authentic medieval furnishings.
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The Gallery of Medieval Life, created in partnership with the British Museum, showcasing nearly 1,000 artefacts from the Norman Conquest to Tudor England.
Perhaps most impressive, the project has made Norwich Castle the most accessible medieval castle in Britain, with lifts, step-free access, and inclusive facilities for all visitors.
Beyond Medieval History: Expanding Collections
While medieval heritage remains the castle’s heart, its galleries cover a wide spectrum of history and culture. Highlights include:
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Boudica and the Romans Gallery, telling the story of the Iceni queen’s rebellion.
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Anglo-Saxon treasures, including the Harford Farm Brooch.
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Natural History Galleries, with mammals, reptiles, and bird specimens.
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Contemporary art exhibitions, ensuring the museum continues to inspire modern audiences.
Visitor Information
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Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
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Admission (2025): Adults £15.30, Children (4–18) £13.05, under 4s free
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Accessibility: Step-free access, lifts, Changing Places toilets, braille guides, and hearing loops
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Transport: A 10-minute walk from Norwich railway station, with multiple bus connections at Castle Meadow
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Facilities: Café with castle views, museum shop with local crafts, and educational spaces for schools and groups
Cultural Legacy of Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle is more than a monument—it is a living record of English history. From Norman conquest and rebellion to centuries as a prison and finally a centre for heritage and learning, the castle’s story reflects the evolving relationship between power, culture, and community.
The Royal Palace Reborn Project has elevated Norwich Castle to one of the UK’s premier cultural destinations, combining authenticity with accessibility. Today, visitors not only encounter the grandeur of Norman England but also experience the broader narrative of medieval society through artefacts and exhibitions.
As it begins its next chapter, Norwich Castle remains a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and heritage, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
