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Photo: Jim Linwood, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A fortified gun tower built between 1398 and 1399; inside not open to public.
The Cow Tower is an artillery tower by the River Wensum in Norwich, Norfolk, England. Built between 1398 and 1399 by the city authorities in response to the threat from France and indigenous English rebels, the tower was intended to defend the north-eastern approach to Norwich with hand cannons and bombards. It stood apart from the main city walls, close to the river where its height would have allowed it to fire onto the higher ground opposite the city. The tower was designed to hold a garrison when required and was well furnished, probably using different floors for dining and sleeping.
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Built in the 1200s, the site is an Almshouse for the citizens of Norwich. It is open to visitors only once a month with tours that must be booked in advance and start at 10AM.
Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity
The 900-year-old Norman cathedral church. Don't miss 'old As I Am', a grinning skeleton on the south aisle wall. The surrounding Close is also very quiet, with statues of Nelson and Wellington.
Norwich castle is one of the dominant features of the city centre. The castle was initially commissioned by William the Conqueror and was completed by his son Henry. During its 900 year history it has had several uses initially as royal place then in later time it served as the city's prison. A more modern prison was added in Victorian times, but by the late 19thC the complex was given over to become a museum, a role it has retained to this day.
The original castle keep has just undergone a major five year £27m restoration, christened, Royal Palace reborn, and has included the reinstatement of original floor levels to recreate the Great Hall and the royal apartments. The British Museum has loaned artifacts to the museum to add to its own collection. Included in this redevelopment has been improved access to all floors in the Keep including the battlements, which afford fantastic views over the city.
Apart from this the museum has a series of galleries exploring local history and natural history and an art gallery that displays paintings from the Norwich School of artists as well as hosting visiting exhibitions.
Twilight ticket (one hour before closing): £2.50