Mick B Loc: Norwich, Norfolk, UK

I dedicate these photos with thanks to all Americans on Ugly who have been so nice and kind to visit and comment on my posts and who I know may appreciate an old English Castle. Any criticism of my photography gratefully received. All photos taken in manual mode on my Canon 600D with 18-135 lens.

Deep in the sticks of North East Norfolk, UK a wonderful Castle Ruin became a lovely photo shot day out for my son and I. Thinking we had discovered all Norfolk’s Castles it was with a feeling of astonishment and wonder that we fell into the beauty and history of this ancient, quiet place. Somehow it still felt as if it had held on to the ghosts of the Heydon family who had lived there for more then 200 years. There was no one around to break the peace of a sunny and still day as I imagined the hustle and bustle of life as it had once long ago been. In these photos I pushed myself to try and capture the feel of this lovely castle. Some into the sun exposures were challenging.

The Heydon family were very much caught up in the wars and history of England and abroad. I came across a very good report on the Heydon family history, and for those interested here is the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/haydonhaydenkeysgenealogy/OLIVER-HAYDEN-WITH-2ND-WIFE-ELIZA-FUNK-AND-THEIR-OHIO-DESCENDANTS/rev-coleman-green-keys--branch/HEYDON-HAYDON-HAYDEN-KEYS-FAMILY-HISTORY/HEYDONS-OF-NORFOLK-GENEALOGY

Life in the Castle around mid-1500s.


About the Outer Gate House.


Outer Gate House in 1781. Note the barn on left has been reduced to less then half its original length.


The Gate House as it is to day with Castle main entrance beyond.


Within the Gate House. Gone are floors and beautiful wood panelling, but the colourful window glass can be found in near by church windows.


Looking up the Gate House’s one remaining but beautiful tower. Struggled hard to obtain correct exposure.


Within Gatehouse looking through window and door. A time travel moment for me as I thought of all who had entered and looked out of the window in centauries past.


Regardless of its ravaged abuse somehow this once lovely Castle Outer Gatehouse with its perfectly cut flint stone walls and early brick still holds on to its dignity and beauty.


Looking through the Gatehouse’s rear entrance towards the main Castle Inner Keep Gate House that seemed to summon our arrival.


The main Castle from the lake side. So much robed from it, but its character still stubbornly remains.


Imagine if you will Lord Heydon returning with his guard and hunting party and the sound of men, horses and dogs crossing the bridge over the Castle’s moat.


The Gatehouse information. The Heydon family would take their meals in the top most room.


The west side of the main Castle. The moat is still intact and holds water that surrounds the castle walls and joins to the east side lake.


Two gate guard rooms where the sentries lived and worked. The photo was taken from within one and looking into the other. Exposure for detail in shadow was not easy.


Within the gate guard’s home. His own toilet to the left and next to that the fire place.


Looking up the guard’s home chimney. Another challenging exposure.


The guard’s home’s entrance centre and the mostly missing tower and steps that led to the apartments above. Note decretive gateway roof.


Closer view of arched roof and upper rooms, now of course floorless.


The Castle main Gatehouse from within Castle grounds. Beyond is the outer Gatehouse. An into the sun photo with much compromise of exposure.


The building that once was stables, kitchens, bake house, brew house and servant’s accommodation. Not much left of once long and lofty house.


Beside what was once the end of the stables looking towards the Castle Lake.


From beyond the north end of Castle grounds. A difficult into the sun exposure as an early evening mist began to envelop.


With so much history exuding from these castle ruins the horse cares not but where to munch his next mouthful of grass.


From a secluded spot across the lake I look out and wonder of all that once transpired. Boating picnics on the lake. The sound of playing children echoing against the castle walls. Sentries upon the castle battlements laughing at swapped jokes as passing time. Lost sounds that once drifted across this lake of so many at their daily work within this grand and beautiful country castle. This fortified home that belonged to a once high and noble Norfolk family, the Heydons of Baconsthorpe.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Excellent series.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set ad history Mick.

GWR100 Loc: England

Good set Mick, and interesting Info.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Lots of good history there.

I can imagine buildings without roofs being challenging exposure-wise :-D .

Nightski

Mick these are wonderful. I have to comment on my favorites. The one where you are looking up into the tower? Yes, well when I first saw the photo, I felt like I was going to fall down into a well. It had that effect. Great capture on that. I love the one with the light coming in the windows, and I can't help but think that a person could be there all day, just catching the light in different ways as it changes. You did a great job framiing it all up in that last one. I really love how you chose to do that. :-D

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Thank you for posting these interesting photos and narrative. I enjoyed them both very much. :thumbup:

CJartist Loc: Ormond Beach

Mick, thanks for taking us on a tour and you got some really great captures , also loved the history on the Castle.

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

Super shots and commentary Mick, I feel as if I have had a personal tour round the Castle..Thanks for taking the time and effort to put them on the Hogg...well done.

TonyB Loc: Cornwall UK

Thank you very much,Mick. You put a lot of effort into making us feel that we had been there and knew its history. I can imagine your difficulty in exposing in those extreme conditions of bright sun and deep shadows, well done.

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

Love this kind of stuff. Hope you have many more shoots in the future.

TraceyG Loc: SW, Fl.

Loved the history and the pictures. Wonderful job, I feel like I've been there now!

Dakota Boreas

A great set.Your dialogue made it excelent.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I enjoyed the tour. Thank you!! Great work on the tower and chimney exposure.

Mick B Loc: Norwich, Norfolk, UK

Thank you Bcheary and so glad you enjoyed. Its so nice to spread the enjoyment I felt at that castle.