Okehampton castle

Okehampton 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, 1st Marquess 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.

It is now in the care of English Heritage.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• okehampton
• castle
• motte
• and
• bailey
• medieval
• william
• the
• conqueror
• ruin
• devon
• mozart
• Landmark

[jackywisdom]

I remember visiting many times during childhood Summer visits to my grandmothers in Okehampton - Harry Palmer was the castle 'keeper' and kept his milk for his cup of tea cool in the waters of the babbling brook in the castle grounds - happy days!

[graemefield01]

Thanks for the comment, how times change! English heritage now own this site and charge a small entry fee, they also have a small gift shop selling guides, souvenirs and ice creams, so i guess they have a fridge for the milk nowadays!

[Pinktio]

I'm using this for my Homework. ;)

[steveJ1957]

GOOD VIDEO  :-)

[ListerStorm666]

haha, don't mske it out to be something it's not. When we were kids we just used to jump the fence when it wasn't open and mess around in there. I bet the kids in oke college still do!!

[steveJ1957]

Good video :-)

[jackywisdom]

Yes, I still visit when I holiday in Devon - nothing can take away those very happy and personal memories - Mr Palmer was a friend of my grandmothers and permitted me into the castle free!