English Heritage gives Dover Castle a medieval makeover

The Great Tower, formerly known as the Keep, at Dover Castle Photograph: English Heritage

The Upper Chapel in the Great Tower Photograph: English Heritage

A stained-glass window Photograph: Clare Kendall

Finishing touches are added to a 180-ft-long wall hanging depicting the Norman conquest (inspired by the Bayeux tapestry) by Kit Surrey, lead historical set designer of the Great Tower project Photograph: Clare Kendall

A 12th-century mappa mundi, or map of the world, recreated for the project Photograph: David Burges/English Heritage

Detail of a 12th-century mappa mundi Photograph: David Burges/English Heritage

A cutaway reconstruction drawing of the Keep during a royal visit c1190, with the furniture and decoration visible Photograph: English Heritage

Darren Ormandy, who will play Henry II as part of the public tour, has his crown fitted Photograph: l/Clare Kendall

A portrait of Henry II Photograph: English Heritage

Last-minute preparations at the Great Tower Photograph: Clare Kendall

A model with a small harp Photograph: Clare Kendall

Two English Heritage staff members finish arranging the backcloth of the 'high table', the centrepiece of the Guest Hall where Henry II would have dined and entertained foreign pilgrims and dignitaries Photograph: Clare Kendall

The new, medieval Great Tower will be open on 1 August 2009 Photograph: English Heritage