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Norwich Castle was built as an awe-inspiring
symbol of the king's power and military might. The
Normans embarked on earthworks on a huge scale to construct the largest
castle mound (motte) in the country and a complex that originally
covered 23 acres.
Although the keep was built as a royal palace,
no Norman kings ever lived in it. The keep has been much altered
over time but fireplaces, a small kitchen, a washbasin, garderobes
(toilets) and an intriguing carving in the chapel remain, offering
an insight into daily life in the keep.
The main floor (now a balcony) was a mixture of
public and private spaces. The day's business, feasts and entertaining
took place in the Great Hall and if there was a large gathering,
people would also have slept here on straw mattresses.
From the 14th to the 19th century, the keep was
used as the county jail with public executions held outside by the
gatehouses until 1867.
Ensuing centuries eroded the Normandy limestone
and from 1834-39, architect John Salvin, refaced the castle with
Bath limestone. Whilst faithfully keeping the form and detail he
scored mock joints into it's surface, transforming the building
to how we see it today.
See also:
View
from the castle battlements
Internet Links:
Norwich
Castle Museum | Tourism
In Norwich
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