The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum in Norwich Castle displays a rich and varied collection of objects, photographs and archive material illustrating the county Regiment’s 300-year history.
It’s not just medals, weaponry and uniforms. Items on display include a Sergeant Major’s pace stick, teacups from Korea, a portable altar used on the Western Front and spices used during the Crimean War to make rations a bit more palatable.
The displays focus on the experience of life as a soldier in peace time and conflict. The main section deals with the 20th century – the First and Second World Wars and the National Service years, including the Cyprus Emergency and Korean War.
Listen to descriptive and poignant letters from soldiers. See detailed sketches by Cecil Upcher, a Norwich architect, of his accommodation and dugouts in 1915-16 and transform them into 3D models at the touch of a button.
The Serving the Empire display is a case devoted to the days when young men looking for employment and adventure might leave their local village for the Northwest Frontier or the heat of Africa. An specimen insects are shown next to Afghan firearms and exquisite items from Tibet.
The Life of a Soldier case contrasts equipment and activities of the past with those of today, such as a leather bell topped shako with a modern Combat Assault Mk7 Helmet.
Touchscreens provide additional information on each of the objects displayed and the history of the Regiment from 1685 to 1959, as well as exploring various aspects of Army life.
The library and archive are housed in the adjacent Shirehall and can be viewed by appointment.
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Viv Owen (Vividly Painting)
3 weeks agoFantastic historical site with exciting museum displays, artifacts, regimental museum and art gallery with permanent collection and touring exhibitions. Loads to do for kids too. We were there 3 hours and didn't see more than a third of it! Friendly helpful staff. Plus an excellent café. Good accessibility with lifts and ramps. Lots of offers on discount tickets, including free entry with Art Pass.
Samuel Harrison
a month agoThe castle is in excellent condition, preserving hundreds of years of history. The many exhibitions and galleries inside provide a very detailed history of not just the castle, but Norfolk and East Anglian. The views from the top overlooking the city were spectacular!
Richard Musgrove
3 months agoIt was great to see the castle after the recent renovations. It's a fine building with some great exhibits and interactive elements for children. The views from the battlements are great, especially on a clear day. It's a bit pricey and there's no senior citizen discounts, otherwise it would be five stars
Clifford M Willett (Cliff)
3 weeks agoThe refurb makes the castle feel more open and spacious, though they've gone very moody with the lighting in some areas. If you're into taxidermy or teapots, Norwich Castle boasts impressive collections of both. Otherwise, there's a very decent Iceni exhibit, a generous selection of art, and a smattering of Egyptian artefacts. And you can now get up on the battlements without paying extra, though there seems to be a recurring issue with the lift. It's worth booking in advance to save yourself a couple of quid. Overall I think you get your money's worth, though for me Colchester remains the gold standard of castle museums.
Jason Fawcett
2 months agoRenovation work was excellent. Museum very good- certainly the Norfolk regiment one. Not into art or taxidermy but if you are there is a lot to see. Videos in the great room are informative. A little disappointed that there are no images of before restoration and the after work- would have been great to know the transformation if never visited prior imo. Well worth a visit.