After years of careful planning and redevelopment, Norwich Castle has reopened its doors, transformed into what curators are calling “The People’s Palace.” For the first time in its 900-year history, visitors can explore all five floors of the Norman stronghold, from its atmospheric basement to the rooftop battlements with sweeping views of the city.
Commissioned by William the Conqueror and completed by his son Henry I in 1121, Norwich Castle has long been recognised as one of the most important Norman buildings in England. Built with limestone shipped from Normandy, its massive walls once symbolised royal authority in eastern England.
Now, following a £27.5 million project, that grandeur has been reimagined for the modern visitor. Medieval rooms and floors have been reinstated, offering immersive settings where guests can sit on a throne, dress as Norman nobility, or simply take in the scale of a twelfth-century royal palace.
Kay Mason-Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, expressed her pride in the transformation: “Anyone who has visited the Keep at Norwich Castle previously and now comes to see this wonderful redevelopment will be amazed. It now looks and feels like the medieval castle it once was following a painstaking and authentic redevelopment.”
Walking through the keep today is intended to feel like stepping back into 1121. The Great Hall resounds with specially commissioned audio-visual projections that recreate the drama and spectacle of medieval art. Character panels introduce the people who once lived in or passed through the castle, offering a personal glimpse into Norman England.
Volunteers also played a crucial role in recreating the medieval setting. The Norwich Friends’ Tapestry, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, now hangs in the King’s Chamber. This 19-metre embroidery tells the story of two East Anglian rebellions against William the Conqueror. Created by a team of 50 volunteers over more than 30,000 hours, it is joined by hand-crafted banners, wall hangings, and costumes that add texture to the castle’s revived interiors.
One of the highlights of the redevelopment is the new medieval gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum. This atmospheric space displays more than 900 objects spanning the Norman Conquest to the reign of Henry VIII. Over 50 of these treasures are on long-term loan from the British Museum, making it their first medieval gallery outside London.
The objects range from the personal—a delicately carved ivory bobbin found in the castle’s drains—to the scientific, including a medieval astrolabe used for astronomical measurement. Recent Treasure finds from local metal detectorists are also on display, connecting the city’s present with its medieval past.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, remarked on the importance of the collaboration: “Norwich Castle Keep was one of the most spectacular medieval palaces in Europe, so I can think of no more fitting place for the British Museum’s first medieval Partnership Gallery to be hosted. We are really proud to be part of this transformative project, which restores the Keep to its former glory.”
Beyond its medieval splendour, the redevelopment has transformed Norwich Castle into what is being hailed as the most accessible castle in the United Kingdom. A new elevator allows full wheelchair and pushchair access from basement to battlements. Multisensory exhibits, from tactile maps to soundscapes of medieval life, ensure visitors of all abilities can connect with the space.
A new Early Years space caters to young learners, while interactive features let children and adults alike dress in medieval costume or take a seat on the restored throne. In the basement, a light installation traces the outlines of the lost medieval arches, helping visitors understand the original structure.
The ambitious project has only been possible through broad support. More than £13 million came from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside £12 million from Norfolk County Council and further contributions from other partners.
Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the significance of this investment: “Norwich Castle Keep is one of the most important Norman buildings in England which has, with the help of National Lottery players, come alive in an exciting and inspiring way. Based on meticulous research, with leading experts, and in partnership with the British Museum, the Norfolk Museums Service have shown how to make a great historic monument and world class collections come alive for a new generation of visitors.”
The redevelopment has been carried out with sensitivity, protecting the castle’s historic structure while adapting it for future generations. Architects Feilden+Mawson, alongside engineers, contractors, conservation specialists, and craftspeople, worked to restore medieval features while installing modern systems for accessibility and visitor comfort.
Alongside the historical exhibits, visitors are greeted by a new light-filled atrium that showcases the east façade of the keep—previously hidden from view. A café, gift shop, and new visitor facilities complete the experience, ensuring that the castle is both a centre of learning and a welcoming public space.
The reopening of Norwich Castle marks one of the largest heritage projects in the UK this year. More than just a restored monument, it is intended as a community space, a centre for education, and a link to the city’s medieval heritage.
As Mason-Billig noted, the aim is to bring medieval Norwich to life for people of all ages: “Multisensory elements and interactive exhibits also bring medieval Norwich to life, fostering a deeper connection to the past for visitors of all ages. We are so proud to have created such an accessible visitor attraction offering spectacular views across our wonderful city.”
With its rich combination of original architecture, recreated medieval settings, interactive experiences, and world-class collections, Norwich Castle now offers a glimpse into the twelfth century unlike anywhere else in Britain. And with its doors open once again, the “People’s Palace” is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors.
After years of careful planning and redevelopment, Norwich Castle has reopened its doors, transformed into what curators are calling “The People’s Palace.” For the first time in its 900-year history, visitors can explore all five floors of the Norman stronghold, from its atmospheric basement to the rooftop battlements with sweeping views of the city.
A Norman Landmark Brought Back to Life
Commissioned by William the Conqueror and completed by his son Henry I in 1121, Norwich Castle has long been recognised as one of the most important Norman buildings in England. Built with limestone shipped from Normandy, its massive walls once symbolised royal authority in eastern England.
Now, following a £27.5 million project, that grandeur has been reimagined for the modern visitor. Medieval rooms and floors have been reinstated, offering immersive settings where guests can sit on a throne, dress as Norman nobility, or simply take in the scale of a twelfth-century royal palace.
Kay Mason-Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, expressed her pride in the transformation: “Anyone who has visited the Keep at Norwich Castle previously and now comes to see this wonderful redevelopment will be amazed. It now looks and feels like the medieval castle it once was following a painstaking and authentic redevelopment.”
Inside the Twelfth-Century Palace
Walking through the keep today is intended to feel like stepping back into 1121. The Great Hall resounds with specially commissioned audio-visual projections that recreate the drama and spectacle of medieval art. Character panels introduce the people who once lived in or passed through the castle, offering a personal glimpse into Norman England.
Volunteers also played a crucial role in recreating the medieval setting. The Norwich Friends’ Tapestry, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, now hangs in the King’s Chamber. This 19-metre embroidery tells the story of two East Anglian rebellions against William the Conqueror. Created by a team of 50 volunteers over more than 30,000 hours, it is joined by hand-crafted banners, wall hangings, and costumes that add texture to the castle’s revived interiors.
The Gallery of Medieval Life
One of the highlights of the redevelopment is the new medieval gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum. This atmospheric space displays more than 900 objects spanning the Norman Conquest to the reign of Henry VIII. Over 50 of these treasures are on long-term loan from the British Museum, making it their first medieval gallery outside London.
The objects range from the personal—a delicately carved ivory bobbin found in the castle’s drains—to the scientific, including a medieval astrolabe used for astronomical measurement. Recent Treasure finds from local metal detectorists are also on display, connecting the city’s present with its medieval past.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, remarked on the importance of the collaboration: “Norwich Castle Keep was one of the most spectacular medieval palaces in Europe, so I can think of no more fitting place for the British Museum’s first medieval Partnership Gallery to be hosted. We are really proud to be part of this transformative project, which restores the Keep to its former glory.”
Accessibility and Immersion
Beyond its medieval splendour, the redevelopment has transformed Norwich Castle into what is being hailed as the most accessible castle in the United Kingdom. A new elevator allows full wheelchair and pushchair access from basement to battlements. Multisensory exhibits, from tactile maps to soundscapes of medieval life, ensure visitors of all abilities can connect with the space.
A new Early Years space caters to young learners, while interactive features let children and adults alike dress in medieval costume or take a seat on the restored throne. In the basement, a light installation traces the outlines of the lost medieval arches, helping visitors understand the original structure.
Funding and Partnerships
The ambitious project has only been possible through broad support. More than £13 million came from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside £12 million from Norfolk County Council and further contributions from other partners.
Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the significance of this investment: “Norwich Castle Keep is one of the most important Norman buildings in England which has, with the help of National Lottery players, come alive in an exciting and inspiring way. Based on meticulous research, with leading experts, and in partnership with the British Museum, the Norfolk Museums Service have shown how to make a great historic monument and world class collections come alive for a new generation of visitors.”
Blending Conservation with Innovation
The redevelopment has been carried out with sensitivity, protecting the castle’s historic structure while adapting it for future generations. Architects Feilden+Mawson, alongside engineers, contractors, conservation specialists, and craftspeople, worked to restore medieval features while installing modern systems for accessibility and visitor comfort.
Alongside the historical exhibits, visitors are greeted by a new light-filled atrium that showcases the east façade of the keep—previously hidden from view. A café, gift shop, and new visitor facilities complete the experience, ensuring that the castle is both a centre of learning and a welcoming public space.
A Castle for the Future
The reopening of Norwich Castle marks one of the largest heritage projects in the UK this year. More than just a restored monument, it is intended as a community space, a centre for education, and a link to the city’s medieval heritage.
As Mason-Billig noted, the aim is to bring medieval Norwich to life for people of all ages: “Multisensory elements and interactive exhibits also bring medieval Norwich to life, fostering a deeper connection to the past for visitors of all ages. We are so proud to have created such an accessible visitor attraction offering spectacular views across our wonderful city.”
With its rich combination of original architecture, recreated medieval settings, interactive experiences, and world-class collections, Norwich Castle now offers a glimpse into the twelfth century unlike anywhere else in Britain. And with its doors open once again, the “People’s Palace” is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors.
Click here to learn more about Norwich Castle
Top Image: The projections in The Great Hall at Norwich Castle Keep tell the story of life in the medieval period © Norfolk Museums Service
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts