NHER 243 (Find Spot record) - Undated human remains from Norwich Castle Bridge, Castle Mound

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Summary

In 1807 during the removal of the stone facings of bridge to the Castle, in connection with alterations to Castle Hill, two human skulls were found. Later, in 1934, more human skulls were found at the south end of the bridge. It seems likely that these remains belong to prisoners held at the Castle who died and were buried here. For information about the bridge itself and associated structures see NHER 874 and 26001.

Protected Status/Designation

Scheduled Monument 1004054: Norwich Castle

Location

Map sheet	TG20NW
Civil Parish	NORWICH, NORWICH, NORFOLK

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Full Description

1807. Casual Observation.
In removing stone facings of bridge to castle in connection with alterations to Castle Hill (this suggests it was at the south end) 92cm (3ft) below surface.
Two human skulls.
Information from 1807 newspaper article (S1) - see transcription (S2).
However E. B. Green (NCM) notes that alterations were carried out on the mound as well in the 19th century, where bodies believed to be those of inmates of the prison were found in the 1990s.

September 1934. At south end of bridge.
Human skulls found.
Section drawing at NCM.
R. R. Clarke (NCM) 1950.

'Norwich Castle bridge under path crown of arch 1950'. Does this mean it was actually in bridge structure?
Grimston green glazed jug body sherd 14th century.
Find held by NCM.

Associated Sources (6)

--- SNF6191 Article in Serial: Goodacre, H. 1940. Notes from a Kirkpatrick Manuscript. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol XXVII Pt II pp 290-307. p 292.
--- SNF2685 Monograph: Jennings, S. 1981. Eighteen Centuries of Pottery from Norwich. East Anglian Archaeology. No 13.
--- SNF87229 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Norwich - Post Roman.
--- SNF8804 Secondary File: Secondary File.
<S1> SNF94838 Newspaper Article: Norwich Mercury. 1807. [unknown]. 4 July.
<S2> SNF93681 Unpublished Document: Cubitt, D. 1987. [Transcription of Norwich Mercury article from 1807].

Site and Feature Types and Periods (1)

BRIDGE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Object Types (2)

HUMAN REMAINS (Undated)
POT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Related NHER Records (3)

Find out more...(1)

Norwich (Parish Summary)

Record last edited

Oct 9 2018 10:07PM