Fragments of silk from a ceremonial robe buried with Norwich Bishop Walter Lyhert in 1472 have been recreated after 550 years. The tiny pieces were discovered in 1899 during building works at Norwich Cathedral and have been on long-term loan to Norwich Castle. A project led by assistant curator Agata Gomolka used high-resolution photography, chemical fiber analysis, and dye testing by scientists at the British Museum and KIK-IRPA in Brussels to reconstruct the red and purple fabric. The recreated silk is now on display at Norwich Castle, and Norwich Cathedral plans to make ceremonial copes from it for use in services.
The project matters because it revives a lost textile tradition and reveals the global influences on 15th-century English ecclesiastical silk, including Chinese and Islamic design elements. It also demonstrates how modern scientific techniques—such as dye analysis and metal-thread testing at the University of East Anglia—can reconstruct fragile historical artifacts that are too delicate for long-term display. The recreation allows the public to see the original splendor of the bishop's vestments and connects the fabric's history to its original liturgical use at Norwich Cathedral.