Drayton Lodge

Has been described as a Possible Tower House

There are masonry ruins/remnants remains

NameDrayton Lodge
Alternative NamesShepherd's Castle
Historic CountryNorfolk
Modern AuthorityNorfolk
1974 AuthorityNorfolk
Civil ParishDrayton

A ruined medieval house. A rectangular brick building that was built around 1437, it was originally two storeys tall and had a tower at each corner. Some of the bricks were made from chalk and earth and may represent an early attempt to make white bricks. It was owned by the Paston family and was used as a retreat. Partly demolished in 1465, for a time it may have used as a warrener's lodge. (Norfolk HER)

Gatehouse Comments

King writes nothing known of possible castle mentioned by Harvey. Salter describes a ruined C15 brick tower in a strategic position overlooking a crossing of the Wensum. Presumably Harvey's castle is this ruined lodge built about 1437. Although the ambitious Pastons were gentry not baronial in status this tower appears to have been built as an integral building, rather than a chamber or solar tower attached to a hall. One of a number of C15 houses taking inspiration from Hastings great tower of Tattershall Castle even though it may have been started (and even finished) before Hasting's massive building was finished.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

This is a Grade 2* listed building protected by law

Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceTG186131
Latitude52.672119140625
Longitude1.23335003852844
Eastings618640
Northings313140
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

Castlefacts3