Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle is scenically set in the foothills of Dartmoor and was once home to one of Devon’s most important families.
Built by the Sheriff of Devon Baldwin de Brionne, Okehampton Castle dates back to the 11th Century. The castle was built to establish this important Norman family within a hostile area and the fact that it was never attacked is testament to its design and location. Okehampton Castle is built on a rocky outcrop of land, with the natural defences of steep slopes to the south with boggy waterlogged fields slowing down any approaching army, while to the north there was a wide stream providing natural defence. The castle itself was heavily fortified with defensive barriers surrounding it. There was a central keep, which in later years was developed into a fortified house, access to which was restricted by a narrow tunnel overlooked by a fortified barbican.
In 1539 the Marquis of Exeter, the owner of the castle at the time, was executed by King Henry VIII for conspiring against him.
From the mid 16th Century, Okehampton Castle was little used and fell into ruin and decay before gradually collapsing. Amid the ruins of Okehampton Castle are the old Norman motte, the former Great Hall, the kitchens and the former Barbican Gatehouse set with cobblestones and a small chapel.
