North Elmham Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Elmham Castle |
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| Breckland, Norfolk, England | |
North Elmham Castle
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 North Elmham Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°45′19″N 0°56′40″E / 52.7554°N 0.9445°E |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Earthworks only remain |
North Elmham Castle, also known as North Elmham Bishops Castle, is a historic ruined castle in the village of North Elmham, Norfolk. Today, you can explore the remains of this ancient site, which tells a story stretching back centuries.
Contents
The Castle's Story: A Look Back
From Cathedral to Castle: Early Days
This castle was built in the 11th century. It stands on the very spot where an Anglo-Saxon cathedral once stood. This cathedral was an important religious center for the Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga. A bishop's "see" is like their main office or headquarters.
Building a Fort: The Bishop's Project
Later, in 1387, another Bishop of Norwich, Henry le Despenser, got special permission. This permission allowed him to "crenellate" the church. To "crenellate" means to add battlements, which are the notched walls you often see on castles. This made the building much stronger. He then turned the structure into a double-moated castle, surrounded by two ditches filled with water for protection.
The Castle Falls Apart
Over time, the castle started to fall apart. By the 16th century, it was no longer used and began to decay. By the 19th century, almost nothing was left standing above the ground. It became hidden beneath the earth.
North Elmham Castle Today
Exploring the Ruins
Today, English Heritage looks after the site. In the 1970s, they dug up (excavated) the area. This work uncovered the "earthworks," which are the shapes and mounds left in the ground from old buildings. They also found the ruins of the castle.
When you visit, you can see parts of a kitchen hearth (an old fireplace), arches, and sections of walls. You can also see what's left of the cathedral towers. It's a great place to imagine what life was like long ago.
Visiting the Castle
North Elmham Castle is free to visit and is open all year round. It is a very important historical site. It's listed as a Grade I listed building, which means it's of exceptional interest. It is also a "scheduled monument," giving it special legal protection.
What Was Here First? A Historical Puzzle
Historians and archaeologists often debate what exactly stood on this site before the castle. It's known that parts of the ruins are from the castle and the 11th-century church. But the very first building here is a bit of a mystery.
The Anglo-Saxon Church Debate
For a long time, people thought a Saxon cathedral made of stone and flint was here. They believed it was the main church for the bishops of East Anglia until 1075.
However, some experts now think differently. They believe there was an Anglo-Saxon church made of timber (wood) on the site. But they think the stone ruins we see today are actually from a Norman chapel. This chapel would have been built after the Norman invasion in 1066. This shows how history can sometimes be like a puzzle, with new clues changing our understanding!
