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Claxton Castle

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;

In the civil parish of Claxton.
In the historic county of Norfolk.
Modern Authority of Norfolk.
1974 county of Norfolk.
Medieval County of Norfolk.

OS Map Grid Reference: TG33530371
Latitude 52.58163° Longitude 1.44579°

Claxton Castle has been described as a certain Masonry Castle.

There are masonry ruins/remnants remains.

This is a Grade 2* listed building protected by law*.


Claxton Castle survives as a series of earthworks and one large wall with five remaining bastions. Part of the entrance gateway also survives including portcullis grooves. The earthworks show that the castle was a complex structure incorporating an inner moat and a possible outer ditched enclosure. In the late 16th or early 17th century a mansion with a porch tower was built at right angles to the remaining castle wall. This was demolished and replaced with Claxton Manor in the 17th century incorporating the porch tower. Later extensions and renovations through the 17th and 19th century included the addition of the south pile. Excavations in advance of the building of a swimming pool have revealed more of the castle gatehouse and castle walls. (Norfolk HER)

Remains of fortified house. Licence to castellate granted to William de Kerdiston in 1333 (sic), present remains probably later. Brick with flint and limestone. Long wall with three round towers. Remains of stair at east end: openings with eliptical brick arches. In the north face of the wall, a large off-centre arched opening now blocked; one tower against the western jamb of archway on south side of wall. Evidence of many blocked openings, quoins etc. Twin towers at south-east with arch between at low level. Western tower contains staircase. Thatched lean-to summer house at west end. (Listing Report)

Ruins of a 14th century fortified house, probably built 1333-40. Traces of the moat survive to the east. (PastScape)

A Royal licence to crenellate was granted in 1340 June 9 (Click on the date for details of this licence.).
A Royal licence to crenellate was granted in 1376 Dec 4.


The castle was actually licensed in 1340 and 1376.
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Sources of information, references and further reading
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This record last updated 19/04/2017 07:42:33
