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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Ian Ashmeade
3 months agoWalking around all the galleries and then taking photos of the ancient graffiti scratched on the walls I spotted my daughter's Beth's name! No it was not me that scratched "Beth" in the gallery right next to the heads(toilets) . We had almost 4 hours looking at the artwork, stuffed animals and birds , it was a shame the dungeons were not open. I also had a little lie down in quite a comfy bed.
Timothy Reid
5 months agoHad a tour of the keep, the guide was passionate, highly informative and very knowledgeable of her subject matter. The restoration takes you back in time to how the keep would have been when it was built. Has accessibility to people with mobility needs. The curation has been done to an amazing level, and there is so much to take in, showcases the remarkable artifacts that have been preserved and highlights the local history of Norwich.
Richard Price
2 months agoA fantastically well preserved Noman Keep. There is a multitude of levels and different areas to explore. The Castle and in house museums are very interactive and child friendly. The roof top gives a panaromic view of the city. Rooms are decorated in a style that would be true to their original purpose. Littled with props and colours, it brings to life how the rooms would have been utilised. The museums downstairs are also of particular interest, I found the Roman and Iceni part particularly engaging. A well equipped shop and friendly staff as well as Lift access across the site. They also have a good selection of tickets types.
David
a month agoLovely castle to visit and great to see the recent restoration works. We particularly liked the light/projection show in the main hall. If anything we could have sat for longer watching it as it was very interesting. Great to see the that the old displays remain downstairs too. My only reason for not giving a 5* review was price point for entry was a bit higher than I would have liked and think this probably might discourage some people. Lots more locals would probably visit and more often with perhaps a NR postcode discount.
Xena-Marie Horn
2 months agoThe beautiful Norwich castle site top upon the hill over looking the city. The views from the top are stunning! The castle has been recently renovated and really enjoyed the projected shows which really immerse you into the culture and history of the castle. Loved the interactive sessions and the staff are wonderfully informative and friendly. It’s a shame the dungeons are no longer part of the main ticket price, and been told this is only available to book at the counter and during busy events and holidays is usually fully booked in advance. Had a good gift shop with varied pricing.