Norwich Castle Keep

I remember talking to one of the tradesmen working on this project and he was in awe of the capability and skill levels of tradesmen from the past, those who helped build the Castle and Keep.  He was amazed at some of the skills they possessed in stone masonary, carpentry and problem solving to create this amazing building.  Now with their own skillsets, he and his fellow workers have restored the work and made all of that accessible to us, The Public, and what a job they have done.  Truly a visit to Norwich Castle Keep, (NCK) takes you from the medieval to the contemporary.  

As I entered the NCK I explored the initial four information cabinets.   That took me a least 25 minutes.  You may think I am a slow reader, ok I accept that ,but that is only when I am engrossed and learning new things, such as the roots of St George, coinage from the various Royal periods, Heraldry and Folk Lore.   At this rate it would take me days to take in NCK.  

So I decided to orientate myself with the whole of the NCK.  I worked from basement level to parapets.  Now I am aware that I don’t think I have adequate words to do NCK justice,  as it was so wide in coverage and I would just implore you to make the journey and visit yourself.  Allow a few hours to get the full benefit, you will not be disappointed.  

So a quick summary

Floor 1 Medieval,   The groundwork how it was all dug out.  How various techniques of stone masonary were used to fit together the jig saw of stone mud and wood

Royal Palace  How the vision of William 1 (William the Conquerer) William 2nd (Rufus) and then Henry 1, saw the palace created, and what a statement for the 12th Century. There is a door into the Royal palace where, if you look up, you will see the carvings on the arch of the stonework.   If put into context, when that was done 900 years ago and the fact you can still clearly see it, that is truly amazing .  

As you go up levels you will experience the palace and dinning, entertaining areas and continue on your journey of discovery, Yes, even to the period where it was a jail.  Then the saving and resurrection, as it is taken by some forward thinking people as a museum and art gallery and commences its’ present existence.  

For me, the cherry on the cake was being able to walk all around parapets and see the views of Norwich from this lofty perch, and for you Norwich natives,  a story board  alongside each section explaining how the various areas of Norwich were named, developed and how they sit today .  

Ignore all of the above as it does not do NCK justice, but go and see it for yourself.  

But before In sign off, I was so impressed how accessible everything is, how you can wander quite freely and how the features have been opened up, for example the ability to look down the vast well for which is over a 100 feet shaft. 

We know that this project has been going on for some time and ran over schedule, but it has been worth it when you look at the insights that have been opened up, the way that you can wander around from floor to floor and how accessible it is to all, and the freedom of movement is way beyond what I was expecting

To contractors, trades people, staff of NCK, and funders well done, very well done 

I honestly believe, if what I saw today, is the way that the NCK will be run, then not only will this become as massive tourist attraction for those interested in history, but also how it brings the past to life.  Without over stating it, this will become not just a tourist attraction for East Anglia but will become a National Treasure.