After a five-year restoration costing approximately £27.5 million, Norwich Castle Keep, a Grade I-listed Norman fortress, has reopened its doors to the public, now celebrated as “The People’s Palace.” Originally commissioned by William the Conqueror and completed by King Henry I in 1121, the castle has long stood as one of the most significant Norman royal palaces in Europe. For the first time in its 900-year history, all five floors, from the basement to the battlements, are open to visitors.
Accessibility has been dramatically improved, with the addition of a state-of-the-art lift providing step-free access throughout the keep, including to the rooftop, making it the UK’s most accessible castle. New amenities such as a glass atrium, a café, a shop, and visitor learning spaces have also been introduced as part of the redevelopment.
Immersive History and Medieval Treasures
The restoration brings richly immersive interpretative experiences throughout the structure. The Great Hall now features audio-visual projections that dramatize the Norman era, while tactile and multisensory installations, including dressing-up areas and character panels, help bring medieval life to visitors of all ages.
Original architectural elements have been meticulously reinstated. Specialists restored stonework, wood carvings, and wall features using traditional methods and locally sourced materials to mirror the craftsmanship of the 12th century. Medieval floors, chambers, and furnishings have been carefully reconstructed or reproduced to evoke the castle’s original Norman function, while preserving structural integrity for future generations.
A highlight of the redevelopment is the Gallery of Medieval Life, developed in partnership with the British Museum, marking the museum’s first medieval gallery outside London. The gallery showcases nearly 1,000 medieval artefacts, including long-term loans, spanning the Norman Conquest through to the Tudor period. Naomi Speakman, Late Medieval Europe Curator at the British Museum, emphasized that displaying these treasures within an authentic medieval setting enhances their educational value and emotional resonance.
The project was funded by contributions including £13 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and significant support from Norfolk County Council, reflecting broad public and civic investment. Community groups also played a role, providing consultation on accessibility and inclusive programming to ensure the redeveloped castle meets modern cultural needs.
Context and Cultural Significance
Norwich Castle has pivoted from its long history as a prison, used from around 1220 until 1887, to its conversion as a museum in 1894, serving as a repository of art, archaeology, and natural history. The recent restoration honors that legacy while reanimating the castle as an accessible cultural centerpiece for both locals and tourists.
The reopening on 7 August 2025 marks a pivotal milestone. Despite initial plans for a 2024 completion, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, material shortages, the discovery of hidden Norman and Victorian features, and urgent roof repairs, which drove costs up from an initial estimate of £20 million to £27.5 million. The expanded works ultimately strengthened the historical authenticity of the project.
This resurgence of Norwich Castle arrives amid growing attention on the region. East Anglia, and notably Norwich, has been ranked among Lonely Planet’s top travel destinations for 2025 for its blend of heritage and natural beauty. Tourism officials expect the redeveloped castle to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, boosting the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and cultural businesses. The reopening also coincides with wider regeneration projects across Norwich, including the revitalization of the historic marketplace and urban green spaces, solidifying the city’s profile as a cultural and heritage hub.