Norwich Castle, one of East Anglia’s most iconic landmarks, has undergone a remarkable multi-million-pound transformation. In the Spring edition of Sowerbys At Home Magazine, we speak to those who have been working on this extensive heritage project to find out what visitors can expect!
Originally constructed in 1067 by William the Conqueror, the Keep was designed to symbolize the monarchy’s power.
Over time, it has evolved, and today, the castle’s ‘Royal Palace Reborn’ project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is set to completely transform the visitor experience.
As part of the renovation, the layout of the castle has been reconfigured to give visitors a true sense of its history.
This project is designed to allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the grandeur of the medieval palace.
The entire visitor experience has been reimagined, with the addition of a state-of-the-art education centre.
The renovation isn’t just about showcasing history; it’s about making the castle fully accessible to all visitors, with the goal of increasing the number of schoolchildren visiting each year from 20,000 to 30,000.
The project has been no small feat. Discussions for the renovation began as far back as 2010, with construction starting in 2020. It’s a painstakingly careful project, given that the castle is a Grade I-listed building atop a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The final result promises to be nothing short of awe-inspiring, allowing everyone, regardless of mobility, to explore all that Norwich Castle has to offer.
When the castle reopens its doors, visitors will be able to step back in time and experience what life might have been like in this royal palace, now made fully accessible and engaging for all. As Dr. Tim Pestell, senior curator of archaeology, puts it, “You won’t recognise it,” and we couldn’t agree more.
For the full story of Norwich Castle’s transformation and the exciting changes you can expect, read Sowerbys article online or grab a copy in any Sowerbys branch.