England’s Norwich Castle Reopens Following $37 M. Restoration

The Norwich Castle in Norfolk, England, reopened its doors today after a five-year, $37 million restoration overseen by architectural firm Feilden + Mawson. For the first time, visitors can now experience all five floors of the castle, from the basement to rooftop battlements, including reconstructed Medieval chambers and more than 900 artifacts.

Dating back over 900 years to the 12th century, the fortress was commissioned by William the Conqueror following his invasion of England. In 1066, he established himself as king. The castle was later completed under his son Henry I in 1121.

The 89-foot-tall structure serves as a symbol of Norman rule. It was used as a prison for 500 years until its conversion into a museum in 1894. Decades of research by a team of historians and skilled craftspeople informed the restoration and displays.

As part of the renovation, experts reconstructed the Medieval layout by reestablishing the original floors and reproducing era-appropriate furnishings in the kitchen, the private chapel, the king’s chamber, and the Great Hall.

A new exhibition, titled “Gallery of Medieval Life,” features more than 900 objects, among them 50 pieces on loan from the British Museum, which co-organized the show. The display includes artifacts from daily life and nobility alike, spanning the time of the Norman Conquest through the Tudor dynasty and the reign of King Henry VIII.

“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,” Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said in a statement. “We are really proud to be part of this transformative project, which restores the Keep to its former glory. It has been wonderful to collaborate so closely with Norfolk Museums Service, and to complement their nationally significant collections with a wide range of objects from our collection.”

There are immersive audio and video experiences in the castle’s Great Hall, highlighting the sights and sounds of Medieval life and introductions to former inhabitants. Additionally, modern facilities include a gift shop and restaurant.

A £13 million ($17.5 million) grant from the National Lottery Players and a £12 million ($16 million) from the Norfolk County Council helped make the renovation possible.



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