Non-trivial function of a forest castle in Britain (7 photos + 1 video)

There are many ancient buildings in this country. But mostly castles and fortresses that have survived to this day served the functions defensive structures.





This fortress is Thetford Warren Lodge in the vicinity of the town Thetford in Norfolk is also defensive. But with a caveat: she defended she is not people.



The order to build this is thorough and laconic The fortification was given in 1400 by the abbot of Thetford monastery. Human he was wealthy, and he was pretty fed up with those who traded on his lands poachers.





During this period, rabbits had just begun to appear in England. brought by the Normans. The animals were highly valued for their tasty lean meat and luxurious fur. And the poachers even threatened the one who had not yet had time the population to multiply. Therefore, British landowners began practice the construction of structures called rabbit houses cages and protected long-eared animals from external threats. The animals were under protection of armed people. But gradually they began to run away, actively reproduce in the wild and lose their value due to increase quantities.



But Thetford Warren Lodge looks different compared to other cages - thoroughly and fundamentally. Both the quality of the work and the thick strong walls, and a comfortable parapet providing good visibility, and special elements that allow firing in the event of an attack on castle and block the approaches to it.



When the value of rabbits practically disappeared, and they turned into food for the poor, the owners of other cages abandoned them. IN In this mini-castle, the breeding and protection of rabbits continued until 1935. This year Thetford Warren Lodge was seriously damaged by fire. AND The owners considered restoring the mini-castle a pointless undertaking.

Such a long-lasting history of the rabbit castle contributed to the specificity of the surrounding lands: sandy soils the surrounding area was not suitable for cultivation, but the long-eared animals felt I feel great here. And formed a significant part of the local economy up to the last century.



Naturally, at an unusual castle, like any respected yourself, must have your own ghost. At Thetford Warren Lodge it is a ghostly white rabbit with piercing red eyes. A meeting with whom does not bode well.



However, no one can either confirm or refute the story maybe: entry into the gradually deteriorating ruins is prohibited. And long-eared the ghost guardian can only wave his ghost paw because of lattice installed at the entrance to the rabbit castle.