Claxton Castle

Claxton Castle stands in the village of Claxton, Norfolk, about thirteen kilometres southeast of Norwich. It is a ruined brick castle built on a gentle rise above farmland. The licence to crenellate was first granted in 1340 to Sir William de Kerdeston, then renewed in 1376 to his son after his death. Work on the castle was never fully completed. In the 17th century most of the structure was pulled down to provide materials for Claxton Hall. The remains consist of a long curtain wall and three towers connected by staircases and archways. Earthworks around the site show traces of an outer moat and a medieval causeway. The castle is recognised as a Grade II* listed building and is protected as a scheduled monument. Visitors find a quiet grassy area with low brick walls and the bases of the towers. The ruins stand close to farm buildings and a minor road. The flat landscape of the Norfolk countryside stretches away in every direction.