Sir John Fastolf, owner of Caister Castle, died. This Norfolk knight was a veteran of the French wars, and is supposed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s comic character Falstaff.
Born at Caister, near Yarmouth, in 1378 to a long-established county family, he fought for King Henry V at Agincourt in 1415. He was also present at later English defeats in France, which tarnished his reputation.
Back in England, Fastolf settled at Caister, as well as owning property at Southwark, London. At his death he left his wealthy estate to his lawyer, John Paston.
His will was subsequently disputed in the courts, and led to Caister Casle being besieged by the Duke of Norfolk three years later.