Norwich Castle’s medieval Keep reopens in summer 2024 after major redevelopment

We’re turning the clock back 900 years when Norwich Castle’s magnificent medieval Keep reopens in summer 2024, transporting visitors to the heyday of Norman England.

The Grade I-listed Keep will recreate the splendour of the building and lives of its inhabitants like never before. From basement to battlements, the redevelopment will create an immersive sense of what it was like to live in a Norman royal castle, while providing accessible new learning spaces across five floor levels. This multi-million pound project is supported by a major grant of over £10 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Located in Norfolk in the heart of East Anglia, construction of the castle was begun by William the Conqueror and completed by his son Henry I in 1121 – at that time making it one of the most spectacular palaces in medieval Europe.

The original medieval floors and room spaces are being reinstated and fully furnished, bringing alive the sights and sounds of this palace of the Norman kings as well as showcasing its influence and importance in twelfth-century England.

As part of the redevelopment there will also be an atmospheric new permanent Gallery of Medieval Life, created in partnership with the British Museum – its first medieval gallery outside of London. The Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum partnership will showcase exceptional artefacts of the period – from the Norman Conquest to the reign of Henry VIII – displaying over 1,000 treasures of international importance, with over 50 on long-term loan from the British Museum. Illustrating life throughout society, the gallery will bring visitors closer to the experiences of people in this fascinating period while unlocking the secrets of East Anglia’s medieval history and the world beyond.

Alongside interactives helping to interpret the stunning display of original artefacts and architecture, visitors will be able to step into the medieval world with immersive experiences throughout the Keep. Audio visual projections in the Great Hall will draw on the drama and imagination of medieval art to bring the walls alive, while virtual reality headsets in the basement’s digital zone will allow users to explore a recreation of Norman Norwich.

Visitors will also be able to get to know some of the people who lived in or visited Norwich Castle in the 1100s, via character panels which bring each individual’s story to life – providing a human connection with the period which will help make it accessible to all ages. The Keep will also be the most accessible castle in the UK, accommodating wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with SEND requirements on every floor – uniquely, including the rooftop battlements.