Barnstaple Castle

P3w1

Barnstaple Castle was a castle in Barnstaple, Devon, UK. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most important fortresses in North Devon.

From the investment of the castle hill ( Motte ) are obtained with the remains of the trench today only. It is open all year.

History

In the 11th century was Geoffroy de Montbray, Bishop of Coutances and close confidant of William the Conqueror built a wooden castle. But had to give over 20 Saxon homes. Later Judhael de Totnes at times lived at the castle and founded a monastery outside the castle walls.

The stone tower was built in the 12th century by Henry de Tracey, a faithful follower of King Stephen during the English Civil War and was about 60 feet ( 18 meters) high and about 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter.

1228 Barnstaple Castle was on the instructions of King Henry III. partially destroyed. The Sheriff of Devon had the castle walls erode down to 10 feet (3 meters ), as the king was concerned about the increasing power of his nobles.

End of the 14th century the area was just a ruin, the population had begun abzugetragen the stones and the lead roof. In a storm in 1601, the last wall fell over. Shortly thereafter, finally, the last stones were gone.