The doors reopened today after five years of $37 million in restoration work supervised by construction firm Feilden + Mawson. Now visitors can experience all five-story buildings of the castle for the first time, from basements to rooftop castles, including reconstructed medieval Chambers and over 900 artifacts.
The fortress dates back over 900 years, and the fortress was commissioned after the invasion of England by William Conquerors. In 1066, he established himself as king. The castle was later completed in 1121 under his son Henry I.
The 89-foot-tall structure is a symbol of Norman’s rule. It was used as a prison for 500 years until it was converted into a museum in 1894. The research of a group of historians and skilled artisans over the decades has informed restoration and presentation.
As part of the renovation, experts reconstruct the medieval layout by rebuilding the original floor and recreating the era’s furniture in the kitchen, private chapel, the King’s room and the hall.
A new exhibition called the Medieval Life Gallery has more than 900 items, including 50 borrowed from the British Museum, which co-organized the exhibition. The display includes daily life and artifacts of aristocraticism, spans the era of Norman conquest and through the reign of the Tudors and King Henry VIII.
“The Norwich Castle is one of the most spectacular medieval palaces in Europe, so I can think of the first medieval partner gallery hosted by the British Museum no longer has the right place.” British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan said in a statement. “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that restores it to its former glory. It’s great to work so closely with Norfolk Museum Services and complement the wide range of items in our collection.”
The castle’s lobby has immersive audio and video experiences that emphasize the sights and sounds of medieval life and introduce them to former residents. In addition, modern amenities include a gift shop and a restaurant.
Lottery participants nationwide provided a £13 million ($17.5 million) grant, and Norfolk County Council’s £12 million ($16 million) helped make the renovation capability.
