See the spectacular views from the top of the crane at Norwich Castle

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The colossal crane is playing a key role in the £13.5m Royal Palace Reborn project, in which the keep of the castle will be restored to its Norman heyday.

Norwich Cathedral from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

And from its lofty heights, a bird's eye view from the Falcon Jaso J160.10 tower crane offers a remarkable 360 degree panorama of the city and beyond.

A man was hanged at Norwich Castle for the murder of Great Yarmouth shopkeeper Harriet Candler. (Image: Archant 2022)

From modern monoliths such as Westlegate Tower and the converted Crown Place towers in St Stephen's Street to the medieval majesty of Norwich Cathedral and St Peter Mancroft, the summit of the crane provides unique views of the city's landmarks.

Castle Quarter from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Further in the distance, plumes of smoke can be seen rising from the sugar beet factory at Cantley.

Gordon Coppin, crane operator of the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Gordon Coppin is used to the sights. As the crane operator, he braves the succession of metal ladders to climb to and from his cab a number of times a day.

Views over the city with Castle Meadow, front, from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Hailing from Colchester, he has done that job around the country for 30 years, but this is not his first time in Norwich.

The view of the roof of Norwich Castle from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

He previously worked on The Forum and the construction of the Chapelfield (now Chantry Place) shopping centre.

City Hall, Norwich Market, Peter Mancroft Church and the Forum from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

He has seen changes over that time, including crane cabs now having insulation and digital displays of wind speed.

City Hall and Norwich Market from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Mr Coppin uses the crane to pick up material being taken out of the castle as Morgan Sindall works on the revamp.

Morgan Sindall site manager Rob Hamilton, left, with Visual journalist Ella Wilkinson and reporter Dan Grimmer on the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle looking over the city. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Because the castle's bridge has a seven tonne weight limit, due to the medieval dungeons beneath, the crane needs to be used to carry any materials or machinery needed for the project.

The jib of the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Rob Hamilton, site manager for Morgan Sindall, said: "The crane is absolutely fundamental to the work which we are doing here. Without it, this project just would not be feasible."

Visual journalist Ella Wilkinson, climbs the mast of the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Mr Hamilton said: "I am very proud to be part of this. Everyone on the team has Norwich links and lots of us would have come here as visitors.

The Bell and Red Lion Street into St Stephens Street from the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

"My son will have school visits here in the future and will be able to say his dad worked on this."

Visual journalist Ella Wilkinson and reporter Dan Grimmer on the 104 feet high Falcon Tower crane at Norwich Castle. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)