Okehampton Castle

 

 

Okehampton Castle is a particularly striking set of Devon Castle ruins just outside the centre of Okehampton. The walk to it is very pleasant, adjacent to the River Okement. A stone castle is thought to have been present on this site as early as 1172, although it was listed earlier in the Domesday Book. The castle found itself in the hands of the big family name around here, the de Courtenays. You'll hear much about Sir Robert de Courtenay in these 'ere parts. Okehampton Castle's keep was extended in the 14th century by the 1st Earl of Devon.Okehampton Castle just happens to be the only castle listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Substantial ruins remain, including Norman motte and the jagged remains of the keep, despite the castle fading with the Courtenays. Henry VII put an end to Courtenay in 1538 along with many others in his blood-purge of old White Rose nobility. On your visit take a look at the graffiti let in the keep by French prisoners held here during the Napoleonic wars. For excellent views of Okehampton Castle by rail, hop on the Dartmoor Railway which skoots right past the castle.

Okehampton Castle (English Heritage), Castle Lodge, Okehampton. Tel: 01837 52844.
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