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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:
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