Okehampton Castle

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.291

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionOkehampton Castle is a ruined motte and bailey castle situated in Devon, England.

The castle has Norman origins and dates from the late 11th century. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book (completed in 1086) which states that at that time it was in the possession of Baldwin de Brionne, the Sheriff of Devon.

Much of the surviving masonry, including the bulk of the Keep and the curtain walls, is of fourteenth century construction.

On the execution in 1539 of its then owner Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter, the castle was partially dismantled. As a 'romantic ruin' it has been much painted and engraved over the centuries, including two paintings by JMW Turner and one by Samuel "Lamorna" Birch.

The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in an outstandingly picturesque setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin. Riverside picnic area and woodland walks nearby.

Position

Photographs

The Address, , Okehampton, EX20 1JB

Phone01837 52844

DateAug 12, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Devon
England > Devon > Attractions near Okehampton

Local Information

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Campsites located nearby this attraction

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Golf Courses nearby this attraction

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