Baconsthorpe Castle, a moated and fortified 15th century manor house, that are a testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons. Over 200 years, successive generations of this family built, then enlarged, and finally abandoned this castle. The Heydons were an ambitious family. They first made their fortunes through the Law profession and later from wool. John Heydon rose to prominence and influence as a supporter and ally of the 1st Duke of Suffolk, William de la Pole. During the turbulent Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) John often switched political allegiances to serve his own purposes. Although he managed to amass great wealth, he also made many enemies, and was described by contemporaries as crafty and quarrelsome. His position meant he needed a secure base to operate from.

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