Mini Norfolk castle built in 1437 by real-life Shakespeare character saved from collapse
Sir John Fastolf inspired one of the legendary playwright's characters
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
A miniature castle in Norfolk that was built by a soldier who inspired a Shakespeare character has been saved from crumbling away.
Historic England have received a grant which will fund the repair and maintaining of the castle's original features, after the ruins were added to the Heritage at Risk register in 1998.
Drayton Lodge was originally built by Sir John Fastolf, who fought nobly in the Hundred Years' War and served King's Henry IV, V and VI.
Despite being very different to the character in real life, Sir John's name inspired the legendary playwright William Shakespeare to create the cowardly knight Sir John Falstaff.
The character appeared in Henry IV parts one and two and in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
What was it for?
The real Sir John invested a lot of his wealth in English estates and built Drayton Lodge in 1437.
Miniature in comparison to most 'castles' in the 15th century, Sir John's build was described as a 'plaisance' - a pleasure ground, hunting lodge or strategic lookout post.
Historic England say the structure was originally a three-story high fortified manor, made with pale red brick, with evidence of features such as a fireplace, a wardrobe and a staircase.
Once Fastolf died in 1459, Drayton Lodge fell to the Paston Family, one of the most influential families in East Anglia.
In 1465 the Duke of Suffolk, who'd previously argued with Fastolf over ownership of the land at Drayton, laid claim to other manors nearby through legal and forceful means.
As a result, Fastolf's lodge was forgotten and left in ruins, later to be used as a shelter for shepherds.
Fastolf cemented in Shakespeare and in modern times
With Historic England receiving a grant of £11,000 to repair the Grade II listed structure, Sir John Fastolf is certain to be remembered through both Shakespeare and Drayton Lodge.
With help from local developers Hidden Talents Homes, some brickwork has already been replaced with existing bricks where possible, while the remainder had been specifically commissioned to match the original ones.
Vulnerable sections were made safe through the use of hidden stainless-steel pins and straps for more support.
James Albone, inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, said: "Drayton Lodge tells an important story about Norfolk during the 15th century and the life of Sir John Fastolf, a fascinating character who was immortalised in caricature by William Shakespeare.
"It's wonderful to be able to remove this historic site from the Heritage at Risk Register after over 20 years.
"We've been delighted to work with Hidden Talents Homes on this project.
"Thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm, people who live, visit and work on the Drayton Lodge estate will be able to learn more about its remarkable past."