Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon

17th February 2014


This castle is considered as one of the most picturesque romantic ruins in England 
Late 1400s - Wars of the Roses (during) - gatehouse and curtain walls, all that remains of this time/oldest part of the castle, built by Pomeroy family
1560s - Edward Lord Seymour buys the castle from the Pomeroys and builds an Elizabethan house
1600s - castle extended by Edward Seymour II - became the grandest house in Devon, however due to lack of funds, the ambitious building plans came to a sudden halt and were never completed
Civil War  - Seymour family continued to live in the castle whilst fighting with Charles I
Late 1600s - castle abandoned
1734 - castle ruined 

This castle had a nice layout and was easy to get around. The lovely windows let your imagination run wild. There is a mix of several eras in this castle which makes it an interesting visit. The audio tour is also well worth it. Beware! Many ghost stories surround the castle including the Blue Lady who is said to have murdered her child, fathered by her father and lures visitors to their doom (!) and the White Lady (Elinor Pomeroy) who left her sister, Matilda/Margaret, to die in the basement of St Margaret’s Tower, because of jealousy.

Owned by English Heritage 
Designated car park
Small shop, tea room (not English Heritage), toilets 
Guidebook and audio tour available
Dogs not allowed

N & K

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire

Image
30th May 2017 1390s - built for John, 5th Lord Lovell, this is a hexagonal castle! 1578 - the castle is modernised by Sir Matthew Arundel Civil War - during an attempt to reclaim the castle the owner partially blew up the castle! The damage caused was never repaired, partly because the lands/castle were confiscated from Henry Arundel after the Civil War 1700s - New Wardour castle is erected and the old castle becomes a popular, romantic ruin We loved how different this castle was to anything we've seen so far. The different colour brick work is beautiful and the architecture stunning. The views of the lake are pretty and make sure you walk around the perimeter of the castle because no side is the same. Audio tour worth it! The grotto in the gardens is fun to explore (and very romantic 😉 ) .  Owned by English heritage  Own car park Small shop and toilets Guidebook and audio tour  Dogs allowed  N & K  
Read more

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Kent

Image
26 th June 2015 Since the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD until the end of their rule (410AD), the site of Richborough was used as fort. Over time it became a town – with a mansio, temples and amphitheatre – and then a port. In the late 3 rd century the site was refortified due to the threat of the Saxons. After Roman rule ended, the site was occupied by the Saxons. This site was so interesting and the ruins are impressive when you consider how old they are. We would definitely recommend the audio tour, but there are also information panels dotted around the site. The exhibition next to the shop, about Roman life, is also interesting. Unfortunately we could not find the amphitheatre so we suggest asking in the shop for exact directions! Owned by English Heritage Designated car park Dogs allowed Small shop, toilets Guidebooks, audio tours N&K 
Read more

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Image
31st May 2017 978 - Rumour has it that the site of today's Corfe Castle was the location for King Edward the Martyr's murder, by his stepmother 1086 - William the Conqueror began building the castle 1105 - Henry I is thought to be responsible for building the 23 metre tall stone keep 1106 - Henry I imprisons his brother, Robert of Normandy, at Corfe Castle, after seizing the throne 1130s - The castle finds itself in the midst of action during the Anarchy between Stephen and Matilda 1199 - 1214 - King John imprisons his niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany at Corfe During King John's reign he was a frequent visitor to the castle, strengthening its defences and building the Gloriette 1220 - 1294 - Henry III and Edward I make several alterations to the castle, including converting from timber to stone, strengthening defences and adding towers Henry VII gifted the castle to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort 1509 - Lady Margaret dies and the castle is passed ba...
Read more