North Elmham Castle

North Elmham Castle, also known as North Elmham Bishops Castle and North Elmham Bishops Chapel, is the ruins of a castle in the village of North Elmham, in the county of Norfolk (grid reference TF98812160).

1 History
2 Present
3 Debate
4 External links

[edit] History

The site of the current ruins was originally the location of a cathedral. The cathedral was used, during the 11th century, by Herbert de Losinga, Bishop of Norwich, as an Episcopal Church.

On 29 December 1387 Henry le Despenser, Bishop of Norwich, obtained licence to crenellate the site. He then fortified the church into a double-moated castle.

The castle fell into disrepair during the 16th century, and by the 19th century nothing was visible above ground.

[edit] Present

English Heritage, which currently stewards the ruins, excavated the site during the 1970s, revealing the earthworks and ruins. Remains of a kitchen hearth, arches, cathedral towers, and walls, are all visible. Visitation of the ruins are free and open year round.

[edit] Debate

There is debate over part of the ruins at the site. Though it is known for certain that part of the ruins are of the castle, and 11th century church, the building which stood there prior is in doubt. First stated to have been a Saxon Cathedral, built of stone and flint, and used as the seat of the Bishops of East Anglia during the late Anglo-Saxon period until 1075. Architectural historians now believe that though an Anglo-Saxon church, made of timber, did exist on the site, the stone ruins are actually of a Norman chapel built after the Norman invasion [1].