Baconsthorpe Castle, Excavations and Finds, 1951-1972

The enigmatic remains of Baconsthorpe Castle in north-east Norfolk belie the story of a very grand fortified manor house. Owned by the Heydon family from the early 15th to the late 17th century, the house once comprised an inner moated enclosure, an outer court and gatehouse, a barn, mere and gardens and park. This report outlines the history of Baconsthorpe based on documentary and iconographic evidence, and archaeological investigations of the 1950s and, especially, the excavations of 1972. As well as an analysis of the standing remains and earthworks, this volume presents the artefactual evidence, including ceramics, metal objects, coins, glass, building material, sculpted stone, evidence for leatherworking and zoological remains.