The Outer Gatehouse

An engraving from 1781, showing the gatehouse when it was still inhabited with the ruined castle beyond (J. Page, after H. Repton).© English Heritage The outer gatehouse was a late addition to the moated residence. It was built to display the family’s status and formed an impressive entrance to the Heydon’s property. Part of an outer court, it was flanked on one side by a row of cottages and on the other by a long barn.

View looking north of the inner and outer gatehouses at Baconsthorpe Castle © English Heritage.  View of turret to outer gatehouse © English Heritage  View of window to outer gatehouse © English Heritage. The Heydon lords at Baconsthorpe continued to lead extravagant lifestyles and embark on building programs, but they were poor estate managers. This led to the accumulation of large debts and eventually the downfall of the Heydon family.

After the demolition of the main castle, the gatehouse was converted into a private dwelling and was occupied until 1920, when one of the towers collapsed.