Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle stands on a steep mound in the centre of the city, a medieval royal fortress built by William the Conqueror soon after 1066. The castle keep, a massive stone tower, rises above the surrounding rooftops, its walls still bearing the marks of centuries. A Gothic gatehouse and former prison wings form part of the complex, now home to a museum and art gallery. The site once controlled a large defended area called the Castle Fee, stretching beyond the castle walls. Excavations found a Saxon cemetery beneath the bailey, showing the castle was built over an older burial ground. The keep was raised and strengthened around 1100, with a new stone entrance tower added by the Bigod family. By the 12th century it had become the only major royal castle in East Anglia. The castle’s long history includes sieges, rebellions and royal imprisonments. In 1075 it withstood a three-month siege during the Revolt of the Earls, led by Ralph de Gael. In 1174 Hugh Bigod captured the castle during Henry II’s civil war, holding fourteen prisoners for ransom. In 1190 it gave refuge to Jews fleeing violence, though many were killed outside its walls. From 1220 it served as the county gaol, holding state prisoners in 1264 and 1274. The prison reformer John Howard visited six times between 1773 and 1782, recording up to 53 inmates in cramped, dark cells. John Soane rebuilt the prison in the 1790s, but his work was criticised by architect William Wilkins for destroying the castle’s symmetry and light. Visitors today enter the reconstructed keep, its interior returned to how it looked in the early 12th century. The museum displays regional art, archaeology and natural history, including objects from the castle’s past. Outside, the castle mound offers views over Norwich’s streets and spires. The Gothic gatehouse and prison wings remain visible, showing the layers of the site’s history. The former governor’s house, an octagonal building, once overlooked the prison wings and yards. A mill house with a treadwheel once pumped water for the castle’s needs. The castle remains one of the city’s twelve heritage sites, managed by the Norfolk Museums Service.