One of the largest castle ruins in the South West is sited on a long,
thin shale outcrop in a wooded valley on the northern edge of Dartmoor.
The castle was probably built after 1068, and is mentioned in the Domesday
Book (1086) as the centre of the estates of Baldwin de Brionne, Sheriff
of Devon.
The castle started out as a motte, which gained a stone keep in the late
11th century. A second building was added to the keep in the early 14th
century, along with a range of new buildings further down the ridge. The
castle was abandoned in 1539 after its owner, Henry, Marquis of Exeter,
was found guilty of conspiracy and executed by Henry VIII.
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Information |
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Please contact the
property or visit their official website for the latest opening
times and price of admission www.english-heritage.org.uk |
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Tel: 01837 52844 |
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customers@english-heritage.org.uk |
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There is a car park |
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Access to castle and grounds: Steps from ticket office;
alternative entrance beside main gate. Surface within the castle
is grass and gravel. Access to bailey and to motte is via steep
slopes and steps, but there is alternative access to bailey across
fairly even grass and slope. Benches are provided.
Visually impaired visitors: Special audio tour included
in admission price. Bird song; pond with waterfall adjoining stream
at front of the castle.
Hearing impaired visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop
included in admission price. Scripts also available.
Parking: Disabled visitors may use small lay-by opposite
castle entrance; it is advisable to phone in advance during high
season.
Toilets: Adapted WC beside ticket office; ramped access
but assistance advisable |
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Toilets and baby changing facilities |
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There is a shop |
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Drinks and snacks available at ticket kiosk |
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The castle is a particularly good place for picnics |
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Dogs allowed on leads |
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No guided tours |
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Audio tour available |
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