Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Sunday, 13 September 2026

Re-creating Norman design at Norwich Castle


I have posted previously about the imaginative scheme to re-create early twelfth century interiors in the keep of Norwich Castle. 

 
The Keep of Norwich Castle

Image:tripadvisor.co.uk

This has been accomplished as a part of a major renovation of the twelfth century structure as restored from being the county gaol as a museum which opened in 1894. The collection of artefacts from Norwich and Norfolk is one of the best for medieval items in the country, as well as having material from more recent centuries.


The royal bedchamber at Norwich Castle

Image: norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk

In the quest to recreate interiors fit for King Henry I and his court the team conducting the renovation had to rediscover skills and craftsmen that are now uncommon or well-nigh lost.

The making and colouring of the doors is covered in a video here

Making the door furniture in iron and tinning it can be seen here
 
The painting of the walls and architectural features is shown here

With the current exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry in London the work done at Norwich gives an added insight into the cultural context of such a textile - and, as can be seen in the photograph above, an embroidery of similar scale and design has been re-created for the royal bedchamber at Norwich.

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