Devon Castles
A romantic ruin in a secluded valley location, Berry Pomeroy Castle was begun by the Pomeroy family in the 15th century. Within the castle defences stand 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.
Berry Pomeroy,
Totnes,
Devon,
England, TQ9 6LJ
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Dartmouth 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 defences is the church of St Petrox and a Victorian 'Old Battery'.
Castle Road,
Dartmouth,
Devon,
England, TQ6 0JN
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Lydford Castle is a 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.
Lydford,
Okehampton,
Devon,
England, EX20 4BH
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Okehampton 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 descendants angered Henry VIII and fell from favour, so the castle was left to decay.
Castle Lane,
Okehampton,
Devon,
England, EX20 1JA
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Tiverton Castle offers a remarkable range of architecture spanning 900 years of history, from medieval to modern, perched on a high cliff above the River Exe. The castle was 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 beautiful walled gardens, a kitchen garden, woodlands, and an orchard.
Park Hill,
Tiverton,
Devon,
England, EX16 6RP
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Totes 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.
Castle Street,
Totnes,
Devon,
England, TQ9 5NU
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