I have visited this site before, many years ago and wandered around this old fortified manor house often known as Baconsthorpe Castle.
The castle started its life in the 15th Century when the Heydon family bought land from the Bacon family. The castle spent 200 years in the Heydon family's ownership being extended, altered and developed by various members of the family. However the family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and this lifestyle drew up vast spending causing large financial debt. These debts caused the Heydon family to demolish and sell the castle in about 1650.
The outer gatehouse was still a residence until about 1920.
Initially the Heydon family made their fortunes being prominent lawyers. It is often believed that they Heydon family, particularly John Heydon, shifted allegiances between the two houses at war (War of the Roses) which gave rise to the notion that he was a shifty and ruthless person yet he always seemed to weather the storm and come out unscathed probably using his cunning and knowledge being a lawyer.
In the later years of Baconsthorpe Castle, the use changed from being just that of a lavish home and estate to that of a factory and lavish home. Sir John Heydon II converted parts of the castle into a textile and wool factory, taking wool and spinning it and producing cloth which was sold all over England and on mainland Europe particularly the Netherlands.
This produced vast profits for the family which was used to extend the hall further. A new outer gatehouse was built and the parkland surrounding the castle was developed.
Their fortunes didn't last however and successive generations of the Heydon family increased the debts and were forced to sell off parts of the estate and castle.
The outer gatehouse of the castle was in use a private residence until 1920 when one of the turrets collapsed. It was known as Baconsthorpe Hall.
Unfortunately when I last visited the site it was closed to the public awaiting work to be conducted to stabilise the ruins and protect it for future generations to visit and enjoy. However it was a pleasure to visit again and marvel at the extensive ruins, imagining what it must have been like it is hay day. From the grand size and ornate decoration and working of stone, it is clear to see how much money must have been spent on this castle. It was a status symbol to show their power and wealth.
Background information adapted from English Heritage information boards and website. Further reading and information available at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/baconsthorpe-castle/
