Histories and Castles

Norwich Castle, located in the heart of the city of Norwich, is one of England’s most recognisable and historically significant fortresses. It has stood for almost a thousand years, witnessing numerous events and playing various roles in the life of the city. In this article, we will explore the castle’s history, from its early beginnings to its transformation into a museum.

The Norman Conquest and the Castle’s Origins

The story of Norwich Castle begins with the Norman conquest of England. In 1066, William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, changing the course of English history. To cement his rule, William ordered the construction of many castles across the country. These castles were designed to be both defensive structures and symbols of Norman power and control over the English people.

Norwich Castle was built shortly after William’s conquest, around 1067, making it one of the earliest Norman castles in England. Its strategic location in East Anglia allowed it to serve as a stronghold for the Normans, helping them to control the rebellious local population. Norwich was one of the largest and most important cities in England at the time, and the castle was designed to dominate the surrounding landscape, both militarily and symbolically.

The Early Structure: Motte-and-Bailey

The original Norwich Castle was a motte-and-bailey design. This was a typical Norman fortification, featuring a large artificial mound of earth (the motte) topped by a wooden keep. Surrounding the motte was the bailey, a large courtyard enclosed by a wooden palisade where soldiers and civilians lived and worked. These types of castles could be built quickly and were ideal for asserting Norman authority over newly conquered territories.

The motte of Norwich Castle was particularly impressive. Standing at around 40 metres (130 feet) high, it was one of the largest mounds of its kind in England. The height of the motte gave the castle’s defenders a significant advantage, allowing them to see for miles around and to repel attackers more effectively.

The Stone Keep

By the late 11th century, Norwich Castle’s wooden fortifications were replaced by stone, a more durable and stronger material. The construction of the stone keep, which remains the centrepiece of the castle today, began under the rule of King Henry I around 1121. The keep was designed to be both a fortress and a royal residence. It was an enormous, square building with thick stone walls, designed to withstand siege and attack. Its high walls and defensive features made it one of the most formidable castles in England at the time.

The keep was built with great care and attention to detail. The stone used in its construction was brought from Caen in Normandy, reflecting the close ties between England and Normandy during this period. The interior of the keep was divided into several floors, each serving different purposes. There were rooms for the royal family and their retinue, as well as a great hall where important ceremonies and feasts were held.

Medieval Life at Norwich Castle

During the medieval period, Norwich Castle served as a royal residence and a symbol of Norman control. Kings would visit the castle while travelling across their kingdom, and it hosted numerous royal events. However, over time, the castle’s role as a royal palace diminished, and it became more of a military stronghold and administrative centre for the surrounding region.

The castle played a crucial role in the defence of Norwich during periods of unrest. For example, during the Revolt of 1173-74, when rebellious barons fought against the rule of King Henry II, Norwich Castle was used as a stronghold for royal forces. The castle’s thick stone walls and high position on the motte made it difficult to attack, and it remained a key part of the city’s defences for many years.

Norwich Castle as a Prison

By the 14th century, Norwich Castle had largely lost its role as a royal residence, and its military importance had also declined. Instead, it took on a new role as a prison, a function it would serve for several centuries. The vast stone keep was adapted to house prisoners, and over time, additional buildings were added to the site to accommodate the growing prison population.

Conditions in the prison were notoriously harsh. Prisoners were held in cramped and unsanitary conditions, and many faced execution for their crimes. The castle’s dungeons, with their thick walls and dark interiors, were feared by many.

One of the most infamous periods in the castle’s history as a prison came during the 18th century, when it became the site of numerous public hangings. Executions were carried out on the castle grounds, and large crowds would gather to watch. This grim chapter of the castle’s history is a stark contrast to its earlier role as a royal residence.

Transformation into a Museum

By the early 19th century, the prison facilities at Norwich Castle were becoming outdated and inadequate. In 1887, the prison was closed, and the local authorities began to consider what to do with the historic building. Rather than let the castle fall into ruin, it was decided that it would be transformed into a museum, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The transformation of Norwich Castle into a museum was part of a broader movement during the Victorian era to preserve historic buildings and make them accessible to the public. The architect Edward Boardman was hired to oversee the renovation work, which involved significant changes to the interior of the keep.

In 1894, Norwich Castle Museum officially opened its doors. Since then, it has been home to a wide range of collections, including fine art, archaeology, and natural history. The museum’s galleries are spread throughout the castle, allowing visitors to explore both the building’s history and the artefacts it houses.

Norwich Castle Today

Today, Norwich Castle stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Its imposing stone keep continues to dominate the skyline, and its role as a museum ensures that it remains at the heart of Norwich’s cultural life. Visitors to the castle can explore its fascinating history, from its origins as a Norman fortress to its transformation into a prison and, finally, a museum.

The museum’s collection includes many treasures from the region’s history, such as artefacts from the Anglo-Saxon period and the Viking Age, as well as works of art by famous British artists like John Crome and John Sell Cotman. There are also displays on natural history, with exhibits featuring fossils, taxidermy, and more.

Norwich Castle also offers visitors the chance to explore the keep itself. While much of the original interior has been altered, you can still see the scale of the building and imagine what life would have been like during its time as a royal residence and military fortress.

Conclusion

Norwich Castle’s long and varied history makes it one of the most interesting castles in England. From its beginnings as a Norman stronghold to its time as a royal palace, a prison, and finally a museum, the castle has played a central role in the history of Norwich and the wider region. Today, it stands as a monument to the past, offering visitors the chance to explore both its own history and the history of Norfolk. Whether you are interested in medieval architecture, local history, or art, Norwich Castle is a site that should not be missed.