A village with a history and a heartbeat
An interview with Lord Howard. Discover his inspiring mission to conserve and celebrate the character of Castle Rising.
Blessed with captivating scenery, beautiful architecture and the majestic ruins of a medieval fortress, Castle Rising is a jewel in Norfolk’s crown. Strolling through the village centre feels like stepping back in time, with traditional rust-red carstone cottages exuding old-world charm and carefully restored buildings and barns providing bases for local businesses to flourish. Cherished by residents and admired by visitors, this picturesque parish stands as an embodiment of England’s rich heritage.
Renowned for its iconic Norman keep, built by the influential earl William de Albini II, Castle Rising owes much of its character to Lord Greville Howard. His family, descended from the de Albini lineage, has owned land in the village for generations and Lord Howard has shown unwavering dedication to retaining the allure of his ancestral home while supporting its future.
“My passion for the village encompasses many aspects; I’ve always appreciated its beauty and history and value its connection to my heritage,” Lord Howard states. “I believe that inheriting a place as special as Castle Rising comes with a responsibility to preserve its unique identity. It’s been a far larger undertaking than I imagined, but every effort counts when it comes to maintaining something that means so much to so many people.”
When Lord Howard acquired the Castle Rising estate in 1979, it was in great need of care and attention. Due to the military service commitments of both his father and grandfather, there had been limited time and funds devoted to the upkeep of the village. As a result, many of the quaint carstone buildings were crumbling, historic walls were collapsing, and vacant properties and business premises had fallen into disrepair. Determined to restore some of the former glory to his precious family lands, Lord Howard invested significant research and resources into the project, documenting its progress with his wife through exquisitely detailed scrapbooks.
A standout element of his mission was the restoration of the old smithy, which was transformed from a pile of rubble to a functional workshop. “I wanted to preserve this piece of the past and revive a time-honoured craft which was integral to the village for generations,” Lord Howard reflects. “I conducted research and consulted with experts to find out what would be needed to create an authentic blacksmith’s shop before rebuilding the ruined structure using traditional techniques and materials.”
Completed in 1992, the beautifully restored smithy supported a skilled blacksmith for several years until his retirement, reviving a prominent part of Castle Rising’s heritage. It still hosts visiting blacksmiths while efforts continue to find a permanent tenant to carry on the trade in the future. Other significant projects led by Lord Howard include the rebuilding of walls and cottages using red carstone bricks, a distinctive local material, preserving the village’s architectural integrity while creating comfortable modern homes. Underutilised and dilapidated properties have also been revitalised, including two Grade II listed 18th century barns formerly belonging to Castle Farm. Once sites of bustling activity, the buildings had started to deteriorate following the cessation of farming activities, becoming increasingly weatherworn. “The barns were in a sorry state, with their roofs falling in, but they remained an important part of Castle Rising’s heritage and character. My goal was to preserve their original features while updating them for contemporary use,”
Lord Howard explains. “Rather than taking the simple route of replacing the decayed wooden beams with flat tiled roofing, I collaborated with conservation officers to reinforce them with steel, maintaining the roofs’ ancient look and charming curved shape.”
The restored barns now house various local businesses, including a bridal shop, a beauty salon, and a dental surgery. The Old Schoolhouse nearby has also been renovated to support a fashion boutique, a hairdresser and care services, breathing new life into old structures and creating a thriving community hub. Preserving the aesthetic appeal of Castle Rising’s streets was another central element of Lord Howard’s vision, with underground cabling eliminating the need for unsightly overhead wires and a classic red telephone kiosk repurposed as a book exchange when threatened with removal. The two elegant ‘Victory Lamps’ on the main road, erected to mark the end of the Great War, have been immaculately maintained and a third was added in 2000 to celebrate the turn of the millennium. This was expertly crafted by local artisans employed by Lord Howard using an oak post donated by Queen Elizabeth II.
As Castle Rising continues to flourish under Lord Howard’s stewardship, the village stands as a shining example of how historic preservation and modern development can coexist in harmony. His steadfast commitment to maintaining the village’s unique character while addressing the needs of its residents has fostered a vibrant, welcoming community that honours its past while embracing the future.
“Castle Rising is incredibly special, and every effort to protect its heritage has been worthwhile,” Lord Howard concludes. “Appreciating the history of where you live is important; it forms part of who you are. This village has always been my home, and I find great joy in seeing others share my love for its enduring spirit and beauty.”
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