I was in Norwich today, I think for the first time, to give a talk about the Cyprus conflict. With a couple of hours to spare, I headed for the castle and its museum.
The original castle was built by the Normans after 1066, and then strengthened throughout the Middle Ages. It is on a steep mound in the centre of the city, and became the local prison. From the outside, it looks more like a prison than a typical medieval castle.
The interior has been renovated to restore the main floors to their medieval original state.
The rest of the castle is now used as the regional museum. Taking the story of the Iceni, Romans, Saxons and Vikings up to the Norman conquest.
The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum is also in the castle. There are just a few display cases, but they feature some interesting items. These include a beaded snake made by a Turkish PoW, something I have seen before, but I can't recall where. The Norfolks did a tour of Cyprus, so those exhibits came in handy.
I was impressed with the city centre and found two good secondhand bookshops and a fine memorial to Edith Cavell, who hails from these parts.
After my talk, I headed out to the airport and the Aviation Heritage Museum. The star turn is the Vulcan, but they also have a Lightning, Meteor, Jaguar, Nimrod, Hunter, T33 and more, as well as civilian aircraft. They also have displays covering the region's flight heritage.
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| This Lockheed T-33 was on its way to the Turkish Air Force when its engine failed. |
There is also a tank museum outside the city, but it was closed today.
On the way back to my hotel, I broke my journey at Castle Rising, near King's Lynn. This is an imposing castle that was once owned by Bishop Odo, the brother of the Conqueror. Massive mounds and ditches surround the site, and the keep is in decent condition.
I had dinner in King's Lynn, which has a fascinating history, particularly during the Civil War.
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