Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Norman Castle
This is the entrace to the castle. Below comes from Wikipedia:
Norwich Castle, in Norwich, England, was built in 1067 when William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087) ordered its construction because he wished to have a fortified place in the important city of Norwich. In the event, it proved to be his only castle in East Anglia. Ninety-eight Saxon homes were demolished to make way for the castle. The original structure was a timber motte and bailey structure standing on a natural rise in the land augmented by an artificial mound.
In about the year 1100 the motte was made higher and the surrounding ditch deepened. About 1120, the square keep, which is still standing, was built on top of the motte to serve as a royal palace. It is built in Caen stone over a flint core. The keep is some 95 ft (29 m) by 90 ft (27 m) and 70 ft (21 m) high, and is of the hall-keep type, entered at first floor level through an external structure called the Bigod Tower. Unusually for a utilitarian building of this period, the exterior is decorated with blank arcading. Castle Rising is the only other comparable keep in this respect.
Although the keep remains, its outer shell has been repaired repeatedly, most recently in 1835-9 by Anthony Salvin, with James Watson as mason. The stone used was Bath stone. None of the inner or outer bailey buildings survive, and the original Norman bridge over the inner ditch was replaced in about the year 1825.The castle was used as a gaol from 1220, with additional buildings constructed on the top of the motte next to the keep. These buildings were demolished and rebuilt between 1789 and 1793 by Sir John Soane, and more alterations were made in 1820. The use of the Castle as a gaol ended in 1887, when it was bought by the city of Norwich to be used as a museum. The conversion was undertaken by Edward Boardman, and the museum opened in 1895.
Today it’s used as a museum and as a learning shop. It’s open daily and have something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you like castles?
I am many things - a life coach, a diversity champion, a freelance writer and translator, a dog lover, a citizen of the world, etc - but never thought of myself as a photographer. Norwich inspires me to capture snapshots of this fine Norman city. Take a trip down Norwich lanes or enjoy a walk in the park with me.
on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 1:42 am:
I like to look at castles, but not to live in them. Must be spooky.
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on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 5:58 am:
Yes I love castles.
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on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 1:12 pm:
Unfortunately, the ones we have here are in the sand.
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on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 8:01 am:
I didn’t realise there’s a castle in Norwich. I’ll have to visit over the summer, it’s not far from me. I love exploring castles.
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