Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 11
Royal Palace Reborn:
Welcome to the Twelfth Century
Original medieval floors and rooms have been
meticulously – and sympathetically – reinstated and
are furnished to create an authentic sense of what
life was like in a Norman royal castle. To those
that have visited previously it will seem almost
unrecognisable as it takes visitors back to how it
was in 1121. They will be able to step into the past
as they move through these beautiful rooms where
they can sit on a throne, dress up like a Norman
noble or just enjoy the space and sense of grandeur.
Immersive storytelling is also at the heart of the
new experience, with specially commissioned audio
visuals which will run throughout the day using
the walls of the huge Great Hall, creating a sense
of spectacle appropriate to a royal palace which in
twelfth-century England was at its height as a centre
of power.
To bring the Keep’s fascinating history to life and
create its authentically styled furnishings and details
has taken the talents of an amazing team of people
- from curators to archaeologists to academics and
architects, experts, skilled crafts men and women
and volunteers. One of the highlights includes
the Norwich Friends’ Tapestry. Inspired by the
Bayeux Tapestry, this beautiful 19-metre-long
embroidery now hangs in the King’s Chamber. This
extraordinary tapestry narrates two rebellions in
the East of England against William the Conqueror
and has been meticulously created by a team of
50 dedicated local volunteers. The Tapestry is one
of many hand-crafted textiles which also include
banners, wall hangings, costumes and other textiles
produced by volunteers in over 30,000 hours of
dedicated work.
Across the project the changes and interventions
have been implemented with the utmost sensitivity,
in order to protect this hugely significant Grade
I-listed building sited on top of a Scheduled
Ancient Monument. Working with architects
Feilden+Mawson, experts in the restoration and
adaptation of historic buildings, alongside skilled
engineers, contractors and conservation experts this
sympathetic recreation will bring the Castle alive for
future generations.
Images © Norfolk Museums Service
Bringing Norwich Castle’s Medieval Keep to life through
immersive and artefact rich experiences.
Planning | Experience | Placemaking
haleysharpe.com
