Repair works on Bungay Castle have begun with scaffolding put up surrounding the fortress.  

The 900-year-old castle has had numerous restoration works over the last 90 years after spending centuries derelict and left to deteriorate. 

The site - which is owned by Bungay Castle Trust - is now closed for the latest extensive works.

Steve Honeywood, chair of the Bungay Castle Trust, has said: “The Bungay Castle Trust has been working with Historic England, architects, and contractors to determine the maintenance works required to Bungay Castle, and to gain approval from Historic England, and the Secretary of State, for the work on this Grade 1 listed historic monument to commence. 

The castle began to be built in 1100The Norman castle began to be built in 1100 by members of the Bigod family (Image: Supplied by Steve Honeywood)

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“The first stage of work is now underway, with scaffolding installed around the North Tower, to carry out the necessary repair works. This will continue for some time now, dependant to some extent on suitable weather conditions for repair works." 

He believes the work will be continuing into 2025 but cannot confirm an end date.

“We look forward to the completion of the works, which will enable the site to be re-opened to visitors,” Mr Honeywood added.

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The early medieval castle was built by the Bigod family around 1100 and used a curve of the River Waveney as a natural protectant.  

It was then acquired by the Duke of Norfolk in 1483 and remained part of the Norfolk estate until 1987, when the Duke of Norfolk gifted Bungay town the castle.