Mettingham Castle Remains

Mettingham Castle remains are the ruins of a fortified manor house founded by Sir John de Norwich, who received permission to crenellate in 1342. The construction was completed by his wife, Dame Margaret. The castle was situated on a moated site that covered about 5 acres, with the castle occupying the northern enclosure. To the south of the castle were the buildings of a late 14th and 15th century monastic college, located within a smaller moated area.

The most significant remains of the castle include the gatehouse in the north wall, which is constructed of flint rubble with freestone and red brick dressings. The gatehouse stands three storeys high and features a ruinous crenellated parapet, along with flanking towers that are square at the front and canted back to the side walls. It has a moulded stone entrance arch that dies at the imposts, and there are remnants of the barbican and doorways leading to the machicolated gallery above. The archway through the gatehouse is vaulted. On either side of the gatehouse, substantial remains of the northern curtain walls can be seen, which have window openings at three levels. Part of the south wall also survives. The site is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.