Clearing the way for construction workers is a key part of any renovation projection.

Eastern Daily Press: The cast of prison reformer Jeremy Bentham's head is removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe cast of prison reformer Jeremy Bentham's head is removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

However, when this involves moving priceless artefacts ahead of a £13m renovation of possibly the most significant building in Norwich, this becomes far more of a landmark occasion.

Ahead of the multi-million pound refurbishment of the historic keep, staff at Norwich Castle have begun to empty the collection before work gets under way.

Once the various pieces are removed, it will see the walls of the 900-year-old castle laid bare for the first time in decades, before wholesale changes are made.

Samantha Johns, collections development manager at the museum, said: 'After we've removed the cases the keep will be totally naked, which has never been the case in my lifetime and probably won't happen again for centuries.

Eastern Daily Press: Snap the dragon is no longer at his post, just his boots are left, as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSnap the dragon is no longer at his post, just his boots are left, as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

'It will be really exciting to see it laid completely bare, exposing the architecture and intricacies of it. It will be a really unique opportunity for people to see it before the work starts.'

It is hoped the emptying will be complete shortly after Easter, ahead of works beginning in the summer.

For the most part, the items currently in the keep will be moved into storage, before either being returned to the keep on completion or displayed elsewhere.

One of the displays, a model of the castle itself, however will soon be exhibited in Castle Mall.

Eastern Daily Press: Empty cases in the Norwich Castle Keep as preparation have started for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYEmpty cases in the Norwich Castle Keep as preparation have started for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Meanwhile, one of the most recognisable exhibits, Snap the Dragon, is to go into hibernation at the service's collection centre in Gressenhall - though it will still be able to be visited by appointment.

Another of the keep's popular features - the well - will be unaffected by the renovation.

Ms Johns added: 'The well will be staying - it's part of the fabric of the building and is protected as such, and is a real point of interest for our visitors.'

The £13m renovation is being carried out in partnership with the British Museum and has largely been made possible by a £9.2m National Lottery funding.

Eastern Daily Press: Debbie Harris, senior conservator, opens one of the cases as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDebbie Harris, senior conservator, opens one of the cases as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Last year, members of Norwich City Council's planning committee gave the scheme the green light, with work to begin at the end of July.

Eastern Daily Press: Artefacts being removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYArtefacts being removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Eastern Daily Press: Conservator Jonathan Clark packs a bronze statue of Elizabeth Fry as artefacts are removed from the Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for the multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYConservator Jonathan Clark packs a bronze statue of Elizabeth Fry as artefacts are removed from the Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for the multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The case cover is taken off as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe case cover is taken off as artefacts are removed from Norwich Castle Keep in preparation for its multi-million pound refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)