Stormy day at Baconsthorpe Castle, Norfolk

NOT a night shot - see later - this was daytime!

Baconsthorpe Castle near Sheringham, on the North Norfolk Coast is less a true castle and more a fortified manor house. The main walls and gatehouse [distant] were built around 1480 by Sir John Heydon a less than scrupulous lawyer.

Heydon was involved in litigation against the Paston family on behalf of the Dukes of Norfolk who were seeking to disinherit the Pastons from Caister Castle. He appears to have used the profits to enhance his social position by buying land and building the castle.

www.flickr.com/photos/barryslemmings/sets/72157594356298495/

The Heydon family married well, one married an aunt of Anne Boleyn, but the castle did less well and was eventually converted into a farm treating and processing wool. Heydon's grandson built the outer gatehouse [nearest] in Tudor times and this survived as a residence until about 1920 when the left tower suddenly collapsed.

The main castle is surrounded by a wet moat with a large lake to one side which attracts water fowl and wild life. There is a footpath network with a map of the area in the castle car park. Nearby Baconsthorpe church is of some interest.

Today the site is in the care of English Heritage but is well worth a visit - even when there's storm clouds above. It can be found down a remote [badly signposted] lane from Baconsthorpe village.

Taken on: October 3, 2006

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