Caister On Sea, The Castle 1908

Photo ref: 60665

More about this scene

Built from English bricks which were transported to Caister by sea, this castle dates from the time of Henry VI. In 1449 it belonged to Sir John Falstolf. The castle underwent a great siege, which went on for over a year until the 3,000 occupants were weakened by hunger and lack of gunpowder for their weapons. The siege finally collapsed, and the king transferred the castle to the Paston family, whose 15th-century letters are world-famous. The hollow circular tower is open to the elements, and provides a good home for hundreds of pigeons. It is over 100ft high, and is divided into four storeys. It is connected to a dining parlour 60ft long and 28ft wide - the remains of its fireplace can still be seen. The man in the skiff is floating on the tranquil moat, which is said to have once been connected to the Yare and then the North Sea. In the shadow of the tower, picnickers on the grass can relax and dream of centuries past.