Back in business
Baconsthorpe Castle is a ruined 15th century Norfolk manor house. It was built by and for the Heydon Family and in its day was perhaps one of the most impressive structures.
Apart from anything else the site was moted and had a gatehouse – perhaps a reflection of the troubled times of the Wars of the Roses. I believe some parts of the building were lived in until the 1920s.
Apparently when the Heydon family could no longer afford the upkeep on the place, they simply pulled it down. Today however it is rather a remote ruin just outside the present village of Baconsthorpe near Holt.
For many years I have visited the site. Local footpaths converge on the castle. It is somewhere I have used for a shot at astro photography.
Recently though the structure of the gatehouse has become unsafe and a massive conservation programme was undertaken and the site was both closed and closed off for at least two years.
However now it has reopened and the entire site looks more cared for, spruce and presumably safer.
I know that several groups are looking to revisit the castle and I believe this Saturday, 25th July, Moving Parts Theatre Company are planning an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northhanger Abbey to be performed at Baconsthorpe Castle.
Sadly I don’t regard Baconsthorpe Castle as a riveting site. There are a few pictures to be had but one has to work quite hard to find something unusual.
Nevertheless – good to see it open again.