A guide to Devon, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
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Devon - Castles A guide to Devon, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information. |
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Devon CastlesThis page Berry Pomeroy Castle - Totnes CastleBerry Pomeroy 
Berry Pomeroy CastleA romantic ruin in a secluded valley location. Berry Pomeroy was begun by the Pomeroy family in the 15th century. Within the castle defenses is an impressive Elizabethan manor built by the powerful Seymour family around the year 1560. The castle is entered through a massive gatehouse, which features a 15th century wall painting of the Three Kings. The manor was left to moulder after about 1700, but along the way it has collected a reputation as one of the most haunted ruins in England. Heritage Rating: Dartmouth 
Dartmouth CastleDartmouth Castle stands at the entrance to the Dart Estuary and guards the approaches to the port of Dartmouth. The castle was built by John Hawley in 1388, Hawley was a swashbuckling character, part civic politician, part privateer, and the apparent model for Chaucer's 'Shipman' in The Canterbury Tales. Within the castle defenses is the church of St Petrox, and a Victorian 'Old Battery'. Heritage Rating: Lydford 
Lydford CastleA 13th century square tower keep with a notorious reputation as a prison. Nearby are remains of an earlier Norman earthwork fortress, and a 9th century Saxon village. Heritage Rating: Okehampton 
Okehampton CastleOkehampton Castle was once the largest fortress in Devon, but it is now a picturesque - and apparently haunted - ruin set on a high ridge looking over the River Okement. The castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest as a simple motte and bailey castle. A stone keep was added. In the 14th century the castle was converted by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, into a more comfortable residence. Unfortunately, one of Hugh's descendents angered Henry VIII and fell from favour, so the castle was left to decay. Heritage Rating: Tiverton 
Tiverton CastleA remarkable range of architecture spanning 900 years of history, from medieval to modern, perched on a high cliff above the River Exe. Built on the orders of Henry I in 1106, and later besieged during the Civil War. Very hands-on and accessible; try on Civil War armour, or feel the weight of a cannonball. Within the old castle walls are a beautiful walled gardens, kitchen garden, woodlands, and an orchard. Heritage Rating: Totnes 
Totnes CastleTotes Castle was erected by Judhael of Brittany shortly after the Norman Conquest. Judhael used the classic early Norman design; a timber fortification atop a high motte, or mound, surrounded by a wide bailey enclosure. The original wooden fortress was replaced by a stone keep around 1219. William de la Zouche rebuilt Totnes Castle around 1326 AD, and it that 14th century fortification we see today. Heritage Rating: |
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HISTORY CORNERName the Historic attractionBritish Heritage AwardsCelebrate the best of British Heritage in our annual British History QuizThis Day in British History29 January, 1728 First performance of The Beggar's Opera The play, with songs by John Gay, is performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre Monarch MayhemThis child king came to throne at the age of 12, but probably died in the Tower of London two years later
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