Bampton's History

Tiverton Castle

In July 2011, a party of members of Bampton Society visited Tiverton Castle - shamingly, few of us had visited bfore. What we found was pretty amazing - parts of the castle are over 900 years old, with much rebuilding and additions over the centuries. Inside the walls, the gardens are lovely and the site has a steep wooded slope going down to the River Exe.

To quote their website: Originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I, and later rebuilt and much enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was once home of the powerful medieval Earls of Devon and of a Plantagenet Princess. With later additions and alterations down the centuries all periods of architecture from medieval to modern can be seen, with beautiful walled gardens within the romantic ruins. Besieged during the English Civil War by General Sir Thomas Fairfax, it fell due to a lucky shot hitting a drawbridge chain. This was the only time in its long history that it saw battle. Part Scheduled Ancient Monument and part Grade I Listed, the Castle is the private home of Angus and Alison Gordon.

Some photos below to whet the appetite.

Tiv Castle Tiv Castle
Tiv Castle Tiv Castle
Tiv Castle Tiv Castle
Tiv Castle Tiv Castle
Tiv Castle Tiv Castle
Tiv Castle Tiv Castle

 

Much more information can be found at Tiverton Castle web-site, including details of their self-catering holiday properties. Do go and visit them.




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Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre