Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle dominates the skyline above the city centre from its elevated position. The great square keep was built by the Normans in the 1090s as a stronghold; the distinctive stone facing you see today was added during the Victorian restoration in the 1880s. The castle served various purposes over the centuries: a royal residence, later a prison, and now a major museum run by Norfolk County Council.

The museum collection spans Norfolk's archaeology from prehistoric times through to the present day, with significant holdings of Anglo-Saxon, Roman, and medieval finds. The art galleries focus particularly on the Norfolk School of painters, including works by John Crome and other 19th-century East Anglian artists. Natural history displays cover Norfolk's wildlife, geology, and landscape. The keep itself remains impressive when you climb to the top, offering panoramic views across Norwich and the surrounding countryside. The castle grounds are public, with terraced gardens providing a pleasant green space in the city centre.

The castle had a tumultuous history, hosting royal visits, surviving siege, and later functioning as a prison where notable figures were held. Today it remains one of the most recognisable Norman castles in England, and a focal point for understanding both Norfolk's medieval past and its important role in 19th-century British art.