Gone Medieval – "Norwich Castle" (History Hit)

Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Matt Lewis
Guest: Dr. Tim Pestle, Archaeologist & Curator
Theme: Delving into the history, architecture, and archaeology of Norwich Castle—one of England’s great Norman strongholds and royal residences.

Episode Overview

This episode of Gone Medieval takes listeners on a guided tour of Norwich Castle—exploring its origins, architectural wonders, royal visitors, tumultuous history, and the fascinating discoveries revealed by recent excavations. Host Matt Lewis, accompanied by archaeologist Dr. Tim Pestle, uncovers the castle’s evolution from a symbol of Norman conquest to a vibrant royal palace, and reveals the hidden stories locked within its walls and foundations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Medieval Power of Norwich

[01:22–05:29]

Norwich's Strategic Importance: Once England’s “second city”—rivalling London in trade, population, and influence—Norwich emerged from Anglo-Saxon roots, benefited from fertile farmlands, river access, and a prime location in East Anglia.
Rich Medieval Legacy: Boasted the greatest number of medieval churches north of the Alps, an enormous covered market continuously running for 900 years, and a stronghold for commerce and wool production.
Transition to Norman Rule: After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Norwich’s townscape was dramatically reshaped as William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the castle, symbolizing domination and power.

"Norwich folk are tough like that. It evolved into a powerhouse of wool and cloth production, exporting fabrics that clothed Europe’s elite and flooded the city’s coffers."
— Elena [03:30]

2. Norwich Castle: Construction & Transformation

[06:01–13:43]

Norman Engineering Marvel: Erected shortly post-1066, the current keep stands (largely) where William I intended—a formidable symbol, both palace and fortress.
Restoration and Changes: The outer stone walls seen today were refaced in the 1830s using Bath stone for preservation, reflecting decisions made while the castle served as a county jail.
Continuous Use: The site’s almost 900 years of ongoing occupation have erased much of the earliest archaeological evidence but demonstrate its lasting centrality.

"The original stone was imported from Caen in Normandy...what you see would be pretty much the same in the early 12th century."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [07:23]

Medieval Defenses: The mound would have been ringed by a robust wooden palisade, serving as the first defense line.

3. Inside the Keep: Architecture & Evidence of Conflict

[10:16–16:12]

Evolving Floorplan: Features like the fore building (grand stairway), vaulted entrances, and cell blocks—adapted over centuries for royal, administrative, and punitive functions.
Sieges & Surviving Scars: Burn marks on pink stone vaults (still visible) likely date to one of two medieval sieges (1173 or 1216), evidence of intense fires used to breach thick masonry.

“It’s an amazing structure that’s normally hidden from view, but all the pink mortar and stonework show there’s been an enormous amount of heat… probably a bonfire.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [13:50]

4. Unearthing Medieval Treasures: Artefacts & What They Reveal

[16:32–20:41]

The Walrus Ivory Bobbin: A remarkable, high-status needlework tool carved from walrus ivory—likely from the Baltic—demonstrating the reach and wealth of the Norman court, and the presence of elite women at the castle.

"This is exactly the sort of thing that Queen Adeliza herself might have been doing in the castle at Christmas, 1121… these are high status women here in Norwich."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [17:40 & 18:39]

Connectivity and Trade: The walrus ivory’s presence shows long-distance links with Scandinavia and the Baltic regions, underscoring Norwich’s continental reach.
Arrowheads & Animal Bones: While rare, weapon remains like iron arrowheads were found, probably indicating routine losses not direct conflict; most lost or discarded as items wore out.

“You don’t tend to just leave [swords] lying around... but an arrowhead is far more likely to get lost and forgotten.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [20:41]

5. Castle Structure: Building Challenges and Repairs

[26:15–30:44]

Substantial Foundations: The northeast corner required deeper footings due to expansion over less stable ground, leading to dramatic early subsidence and later visible cracks—repairs are visible through glass floors in the gallery.
Adapting to Problems: Portions of walls and windows were blocked up, buttressing added, and cracks are still visible.

"They were aware that they’d got a settled mound where they were building the south wall, but the north wall, where they were jutting out… they needed a deeper wall, but even that deeper foundation wasn’t enough."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [29:59]

6. Human Remains & Shifting Castle Roles

[31:08–33:32]

Discovery of Skeletons: Excavations for construction work revealed several human skeletons on the mound, probably prisoners from the later period when the castle served as a jail (late medieval to 18th c.), not the royal inhabitants of earlier centuries.

"They almost certainly relate to prisoners that were buried on the mound who had been pulled into the keep. Because we know that the keep was used for holding prisoners..."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [31:23]

A Tiny Lead Coffin: On display, a poignant 15th-century lead coffin for an infant, found near a woman’s tomb from Wyndham Abbey—reminding visitors of the constant proximity of death, even for high-status individuals.

7. Museum Highlights & Curator’s Favorites

[37:58–43:51]

Pilgrimage Objects from Bromholm Priory: Tim's favorite are simple lead trinkets and tokens from the famous “True Cross” relic shrine—tangible connections to ordinary medieval spiritual devotion.
Prayer Roll: A manuscript associated with Bromholm, returned for display by its modern owners—a powerful full-circle moment.

“It’s all very well to have a silver-plated ship if you’re a king... but little lead trinkets are exactly the sort of thing that enable you to interact with the shrine and its power.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [41:08]

Artifacts from Bishop Leihardt’s Tomb: Fragments of 15th-century silk vestments reconstructed using scientific dye analysis, revealing once-vivid colors and the former splendor of medieval liturgy.

“It really reminds you...what we see today are very often a pale shadow—literally a pale shadow—of what was once here.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [43:51]

8. Experiencing the Castle as Royal Palace

[44:12–50:14]

The Blue Door of the Keep: Reconstructed using authentic, period-accurate materials and techniques—including blue-painted, leather-covered oak and tinned ironwork—evokes the wealth and power of its Norman builders.
The Great Hall: Visitors can “step into” Henry I’s court, with a reconstructed thronged banquet, king and queen’s thrones, vibrant colors, and grandeur based on the best available historical and archaeological evidence.

“If you made it up into Henry the First’s keep as well, this room is absolutely splendid, laid out for a feast… a riot of color… all about showing off your wealth.”
— Matt Lewis [47:16]

Scale and Symbolism: Construction required destroying nearly 100 Anglo-Saxon houses, with the sheer size and luxury designed to overawe and dominate.

“It was a real social statement in the early 12th century.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [49:06]

9. Invitation to Visit & Reflections on Medieval Life

[50:14–51:35]

Norwich Castle’s exhibition tells the story not only of royalty and turmoil, but of everyday life, artisanship, religious devotion, and the frequent presence of death.
The castle’s recent reopening offers the public a fuller, more vibrant experience than ever before—urging listeners to come and see for themselves.

“There are so many hidden treasures within here… medieval graffiti that tells you about ordinary people… as well as just the beautiful architecture that you can see.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [50:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------------------------|-------| | 03:30 | Elena | “Norwich folk are tough like that. It evolved into a powerhouse of wool and cloth production, exporting fabrics that clothed Europe’s elite and flooded the city’s coffers.” | | 07:23 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “The original stone was imported from Caen in Normandy...what you see would be pretty much the same in the early 12th century.” | | 13:50 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “All the pink mortar and stonework show there’s been an enormous amount of heat… probably a bonfire.” | | 17:40 | Dr. Tim Pestle | "This is exactly the sort of thing that Queen Adeliza herself might have been doing in the castle at Christmas, 1121." | | 18:39 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “These are high status women here in Norwich." | | 20:41 | Dr. Tim Pestle | "You don’t tend to just leave [swords] lying around... but an arrowhead is far more likely to get lost and forgotten." | | 29:59 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “They were aware that they’d got a settled mound where they were building the south wall, but the north wall... they needed a deeper wall, but even that deeper foundation wasn’t enough.” | | 31:23 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “They almost certainly relate to prisoners that were buried on the mound who had been pulled into the keep...” | | 41:08 | Dr. Tim Pestle | "But little lead trinkets are exactly the sort of thing that enable you to interact with the shrine and its power." | | 43:51 | Dr. Tim Pestle | "What we see today and the artifacts that we have are very often a pale shadow—literally a pale shadow—of what was once here." | | 47:16 | Matt Lewis | “If you made it up into Henry the First’s keep as well, this room is absolutely splendid, laid out for a feast… a riot of color… all about showing off your wealth.” | | 49:06 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “It was a real social statement in the early 12th century.” | | 50:39 | Dr. Tim Pestle | “There are so many hidden treasures within here… medieval graffiti that tells you about ordinary people… as well as just the beautiful architecture...” |

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:23] — Revealing Norwich as a major medieval city
[06:01] — Arrival at Norwich Castle & Introduction to Dr. Tim Pestle
[07:23] — The architectural evolution of the castle’s keep
[10:32] — Description of the keep’s entrance and medieval modifications
[13:43] — Evidence of siege (burn marks, defense flaws)
[16:32] — Artefacts: bobbin, arrowhead, animal bones
[26:15] — The basement, structural cracks, and medieval repairs
[31:08] — Discovery of human remains and their likely context
[37:58] — Curator’s favorite museum items: relics and prayer roll
[44:12] — Entering the reconstructed keep and royal great hall
[47:16] — Discussion of how the royal hall would look and function
[50:39] — The importance of visiting and discovering hidden treasures
[51:52] — Episode wrap-up, invitation to visit, and next episode tease

Conclusion

This episode offers an enthralling journey through Norwich Castle’s storied past—from Norman conquest to medieval opulence, from functional fortress to iconic jail. Through architectural insights, archaeological finds, and rich storytelling, Matt Lewis and Dr. Tim Pestle animate a millennium of lives, rituals, and power struggles within the castle walls. For anyone curious about how buildings embody the grand drama of British history, this is an unmissable exploration—and a call to experience Norwich Castle and its treasures in person.

“If you want to do the same and stand where Henry I himself feasted, then Norwich Castle is waiting for you. I highly recommend a visit!”
— Matt Lewis [52:01]

Next up: An episode on the medieval Jewish community of Norwich (teased at [53:05]), promising more hidden stories from the city’s rich past.

Gone Medieval – "Norwich Castle" (History Hit)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Medieval Power of Norwich

[01:22–05:29]

Norwich's Strategic Importance: Once England’s “second city”—rivalling London in trade, population, and influence—Norwich emerged from Anglo-Saxon roots, benefited from fertile farmlands, river access, and a prime location in East Anglia.
Rich Medieval Legacy: Boasted the greatest number of medieval churches north of the Alps, an enormous covered market continuously running for 900 years, and a stronghold for commerce and wool production.
Transition to Norman Rule: After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Norwich’s townscape was dramatically reshaped as William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the castle, symbolizing domination and power.

"Norwich folk are tough like that. It evolved into a powerhouse of wool and cloth production, exporting fabrics that clothed Europe’s elite and flooded the city’s coffers."
— Elena [03:30]

2. Norwich Castle: Construction & Transformation

[06:01–13:43]

Norman Engineering Marvel: Erected shortly post-1066, the current keep stands (largely) where William I intended—a formidable symbol, both palace and fortress.
Restoration and Changes: The outer stone walls seen today were refaced in the 1830s using Bath stone for preservation, reflecting decisions made while the castle served as a county jail.
Continuous Use: The site’s almost 900 years of ongoing occupation have erased much of the earliest archaeological evidence but demonstrate its lasting centrality.

"The original stone was imported from Caen in Normandy...what you see would be pretty much the same in the early 12th century."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [07:23]

Medieval Defenses: The mound would have been ringed by a robust wooden palisade, serving as the first defense line.

3. Inside the Keep: Architecture & Evidence of Conflict

[10:16–16:12]

Evolving Floorplan: Features like the fore building (grand stairway), vaulted entrances, and cell blocks—adapted over centuries for royal, administrative, and punitive functions.
Sieges & Surviving Scars: Burn marks on pink stone vaults (still visible) likely date to one of two medieval sieges (1173 or 1216), evidence of intense fires used to breach thick masonry.

“It’s an amazing structure that’s normally hidden from view, but all the pink mortar and stonework show there’s been an enormous amount of heat… probably a bonfire.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [13:50]

4. Unearthing Medieval Treasures: Artefacts & What They Reveal

[16:32–20:41]

The Walrus Ivory Bobbin: A remarkable, high-status needlework tool carved from walrus ivory—likely from the Baltic—demonstrating the reach and wealth of the Norman court, and the presence of elite women at the castle.

"This is exactly the sort of thing that Queen Adeliza herself might have been doing in the castle at Christmas, 1121… these are high status women here in Norwich."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [17:40 & 18:39]

Connectivity and Trade: The walrus ivory’s presence shows long-distance links with Scandinavia and the Baltic regions, underscoring Norwich’s continental reach.
Arrowheads & Animal Bones: While rare, weapon remains like iron arrowheads were found, probably indicating routine losses not direct conflict; most lost or discarded as items wore out.

“You don’t tend to just leave [swords] lying around... but an arrowhead is far more likely to get lost and forgotten.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [20:41]

5. Castle Structure: Building Challenges and Repairs

[26:15–30:44]

Substantial Foundations: The northeast corner required deeper footings due to expansion over less stable ground, leading to dramatic early subsidence and later visible cracks—repairs are visible through glass floors in the gallery.
Adapting to Problems: Portions of walls and windows were blocked up, buttressing added, and cracks are still visible.

"They were aware that they’d got a settled mound where they were building the south wall, but the north wall, where they were jutting out… they needed a deeper wall, but even that deeper foundation wasn’t enough."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [29:59]

6. Human Remains & Shifting Castle Roles

[31:08–33:32]

Discovery of Skeletons: Excavations for construction work revealed several human skeletons on the mound, probably prisoners from the later period when the castle served as a jail (late medieval to 18th c.), not the royal inhabitants of earlier centuries.

"They almost certainly relate to prisoners that were buried on the mound who had been pulled into the keep. Because we know that the keep was used for holding prisoners..."
— Dr. Tim Pestle [31:23]

A Tiny Lead Coffin: On display, a poignant 15th-century lead coffin for an infant, found near a woman’s tomb from Wyndham Abbey—reminding visitors of the constant proximity of death, even for high-status individuals.

7. Museum Highlights & Curator’s Favorites

[37:58–43:51]

Pilgrimage Objects from Bromholm Priory: Tim's favorite are simple lead trinkets and tokens from the famous “True Cross” relic shrine—tangible connections to ordinary medieval spiritual devotion.
Prayer Roll: A manuscript associated with Bromholm, returned for display by its modern owners—a powerful full-circle moment.

“It’s all very well to have a silver-plated ship if you’re a king... but little lead trinkets are exactly the sort of thing that enable you to interact with the shrine and its power.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [41:08]

Artifacts from Bishop Leihardt’s Tomb: Fragments of 15th-century silk vestments reconstructed using scientific dye analysis, revealing once-vivid colors and the former splendor of medieval liturgy.

“It really reminds you...what we see today are very often a pale shadow—literally a pale shadow—of what was once here.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [43:51]

8. Experiencing the Castle as Royal Palace

[44:12–50:14]

The Blue Door of the Keep: Reconstructed using authentic, period-accurate materials and techniques—including blue-painted, leather-covered oak and tinned ironwork—evokes the wealth and power of its Norman builders.
The Great Hall: Visitors can “step into” Henry I’s court, with a reconstructed thronged banquet, king and queen’s thrones, vibrant colors, and grandeur based on the best available historical and archaeological evidence.

“If you made it up into Henry the First’s keep as well, this room is absolutely splendid, laid out for a feast… a riot of color… all about showing off your wealth.”
— Matt Lewis [47:16]

Scale and Symbolism: Construction required destroying nearly 100 Anglo-Saxon houses, with the sheer size and luxury designed to overawe and dominate.

“It was a real social statement in the early 12th century.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [49:06]

9. Invitation to Visit & Reflections on Medieval Life

[50:14–51:35]

Norwich Castle’s exhibition tells the story not only of royalty and turmoil, but of everyday life, artisanship, religious devotion, and the frequent presence of death.
The castle’s recent reopening offers the public a fuller, more vibrant experience than ever before—urging listeners to come and see for themselves.

“There are so many hidden treasures within here… medieval graffiti that tells you about ordinary people… as well as just the beautiful architecture that you can see.”
— Dr. Tim Pestle [50:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:23] — Revealing Norwich as a major medieval city
[06:01] — Arrival at Norwich Castle & Introduction to Dr. Tim Pestle
[07:23] — The architectural evolution of the castle’s keep
[10:32] — Description of the keep’s entrance and medieval modifications
[13:43] — Evidence of siege (burn marks, defense flaws)
[16:32] — Artefacts: bobbin, arrowhead, animal bones
[26:15] — The basement, structural cracks, and medieval repairs
[31:08] — Discovery of human remains and their likely context
[37:58] — Curator’s favorite museum items: relics and prayer roll
[44:12] — Entering the reconstructed keep and royal great hall
[47:16] — Discussion of how the royal hall would look and function
[50:39] — The importance of visiting and discovering hidden treasures
[51:52] — Episode wrap-up, invitation to visit, and next episode tease

Conclusion

“If you want to do the same and stand where Henry I himself feasted, then Norwich Castle is waiting for you. I highly recommend a visit!”
— Matt Lewis [52:01]

Next up: An episode on the medieval Jewish community of Norwich (teased at [53:05]), promising more hidden stories from the city’s rich past.

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Summary

Gone Medieval – "Norwich Castle" (History Hit)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Medieval Power of Norwich

2. Norwich Castle: Construction & Transformation

3. Inside the Keep: Architecture & Evidence of Conflict

4. Unearthing Medieval Treasures: Artefacts & What They Reveal

5. Castle Structure: Building Challenges and Repairs

6. Human Remains & Shifting Castle Roles

7. Museum Highlights & Curator’s Favorites

8. Experiencing the Castle as Royal Palace

9. Invitation to Visit & Reflections on Medieval Life

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Conclusion

Summary

Gone Medieval – "Norwich Castle" (History Hit)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Medieval Power of Norwich

2. Norwich Castle: Construction & Transformation

3. Inside the Keep: Architecture & Evidence of Conflict

4. Unearthing Medieval Treasures: Artefacts & What They Reveal

5. Castle Structure: Building Challenges and Repairs

6. Human Remains & Shifting Castle Roles

7. Museum Highlights & Curator’s Favorites

8. Experiencing the Castle as Royal Palace

9. Invitation to Visit & Reflections on Medieval Life

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Conclusion