Abstract. We report the results of Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations of H I absorption towards the FR II radio galaxy 3C321 (J1531+2404), which is associated with an optical galaxy interacting with a companion. The absorption profile which is seen towards the radio core is well resolved and consists of three components which appear redshifted relative to the optical systemic velocity. We estimate the column density and optical depth of H I gas from these observations. We also present radio continuum observations of the source with both the GMRT and the VLA in order to understand the properties of a plume of emission at an angle with the source axis. This feature could be relic emission due to an earlier cycle of activity. If so, this would be consistent with a trend for detection of H I absorption and rejuvenation of radio activity suggested earlier.