A restoration project at Baconsthorpe Castle is 'going well' - with hopes the work will be finished by the end of the year.

The 15th century moated manor house ruin east of Holt was put off limits by English Heritage in 2021 due to much of its masonry becoming loose and unstable.

The project to stabilise the stonework began in April.

Joseph James, national project manager for English Heritage, said: “The conservation project at Baconsthorpe Castle is going well with repairs to the upper levels of the inner gatehouse now complete."

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Restoration work at Baconsthorpe Castle is ongoing.Restoration work at Baconsthorpe Castle is ongoing. (Image: Archant)

The top section of scaffold is now being dismantled to allow a start on the lower and ground level works. This month, work will begin on the outer gatehouse.

The work is being carried out by Cliveden Conservation’s Norfolk Workshop and includes significant structure and masonry repairs to the inner and outer gatehouse and the north east tower, as well as repairs to the curtain walling and moat bridge.

Mr James said: "We are delighted that we have been able to help Baconsthorpe withstand being further damaged by the elements so it can be served for as a slice of local history for present and future generations to enjoy.”

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Baconsthorpe Castle is linked to the dramatic rise and fall of the prominent Norfolk family, the Haydons, who lived there for 200 years.

The family first made their fortunes as lawyers, but their wealth came from the wool industry.

Baconsthorpe Castle was built as their main residence in about 1450 on what is thought to have been the site of the earlier manor of Wood Hall.

However, despite the immense wealth they had acquired from the wool trade, the Haydons were poor estate managers and accumulated large debts.

They were forced to demolish much of the castle in 1650 to sell the materials to pay off their debts.

The outer gatehouse survived and became a private dwelling, known as Baconsthorpe Hall. It was occupied until 1920 until one of its turrets collapsed.