Norwich Castle Totally Explained

Everything about Norwich Castle totally explained

Norwich Castle was built in 1067 when William the Conqueror (c.1027 - 1087) ordered its construction in order to have a fortification in the city of Norwich, England (William's only castle in East Anglia). Ninety-eight Saxon homes were demolished to make way for the castle. The original structure was a timber motte and bailey type housing standing on a natural rise in the land augmented by an artificial mound.
   In c. 1100 the motte was heightened, and the surrounding ditch deepened. The square keep was built on top of the motte c. 1120 to serve as a Royal Palace. The construction is Caen stone over a flint core. The Keep is c. 95 ft by 90 ft by c. 70 ft high, and is of the hall-keep type, entered at first floor level through an external structure, the Bigod Tower. Unusually for a utilitarian building of this period the exterior is decorated with blank arcading (Castle Rising is the only other comparable keep in this respect).
   Although the keep remains, its outer shell has been repaired repeatedly, most recently in 1835-8 by Anthony Salvin, the mason was James Watson. The stone used was Bath stone. None of the inner or outer baily buildings survive. The Norman bridge over the inner ditch was replaced in c. 1825.
   The castle was used as a gaol from 1220, with additional buildings constructed on the top of the motte next to the keep. These buildings were demolished and rebuilt in 1789-93 by Sir John Soane, with more alterations in 1820. The site ceased to be used as a gaol in 1887 when it was purchased by the city to be used as a museum. The conversion was undertaken by Edward Boardman, and the museum opened in 1895.
   The castle remains a museum and art gallery today, and contains many of the original exhibits, as well as many more recent ones. Although not permanently on display, one of the largest collections it holds is the butterfly collection of Margaret Fountaine. The Chief curator is Dr. John Davies, the Senior curator is Dr. Andrew Moore and the Curator of the Natural History Dept. is Dr. Tony Irwin.

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