From The Neolithic To The Sea: A Journey From The Past To The Present
Totnes Castle
Statistics
Category
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
Castle
Devon
50° 25′ 55.56″ N, 3° 41′ 27.6″ W
SX7991560572
Ruin
1068
£
Devon
50° 25′ 55.56″ N, 3° 41′ 27.6″ W
SX7991560572
Ruin
1068
£
Map
- History
- Gallery
- Gallery
- Gallery
Totnes Castle is a Norman motte and bailey castle, located in the town of Totnes, on the River Dart, Devon.
The motte thought to have been built by the Breton Juhel of Totnes, who was one of William the Conqueror's lieutenants soon after the Norman conquest. He was granted feudal barony of Totnes, in 1068, and founded Totnes Priory within the town. The Motte and Bailey were earthwork fortifications topped with a wooden palisade.
In the early 13th century the mound was rebuilt by William de Braose, 3rd Lord of Bramber, who constructed a stone keep along with stone walls around the bailey.
By 1326, the castle had fallen into a state of ruin. It was under the control the de la Zouch family, who were made to repair the castle a royal order. The castle was re-fortified with a new shell keep, using Devonian limestone and red sandstone, a stable was constructed and a constable appointed.
Following the Wars of the Roses it once again fell into disrepair. The castle was occupied for a period during the Civil War but saw no notable action.
The castle is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building in the care of English Heritage.
The motte thought to have been built by the Breton Juhel of Totnes, who was one of William the Conqueror's lieutenants soon after the Norman conquest. He was granted feudal barony of Totnes, in 1068, and founded Totnes Priory within the town. The Motte and Bailey were earthwork fortifications topped with a wooden palisade.
In the early 13th century the mound was rebuilt by William de Braose, 3rd Lord of Bramber, who constructed a stone keep along with stone walls around the bailey.
By 1326, the castle had fallen into a state of ruin. It was under the control the de la Zouch family, who were made to repair the castle a royal order. The castle was re-fortified with a new shell keep, using Devonian limestone and red sandstone, a stable was constructed and a constable appointed.
Following the Wars of the Roses it once again fell into disrepair. The castle was occupied for a period during the Civil War but saw no notable action.
The castle is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building in the care of English Heritage.
