Castle Hunting UK

25th August 2016 1300s - main body of the castle seen today was built by Geoffrey Gilbert after marrying the heiress Joan de Compton in 1329 1400s - Manour house is enlarged 1785 - Reverend Edmund Gilbert sold Compton and moved to Cornwall 1931 - Walter Raleigh Gilbert brought the castle, bringing it back into the Gilbert family again and restoring the castle The castle is impressive to see from the outside on you approach up the drive. There are onlya handful of rooms open so it didn't take long to visit but worth it all the same. Many of the rooms are more modern with the exceptions of the kitchens and chapel. The rose and knot Gardens are pretty too.  Owned by National Trust Car park in front of castle and an overflow opposite Small shop Guidebooks available N & K 

25th August 2016 Built between 1522 and 1536, this small fort was the last line of defence after Dartmouth and Kingswear castles and the chain. There are 11 openings for where heavy guns would've been placed.  This site is owned by English Heritage and entry is free. It is an unmanned site and there are no facilities, but definitely worth a quick visit all the same.  N & K

25th August 2016 1388 - castle is built by the townspeople of Dartmouth under the "instruction" of mayor John Hawley - the purpose of the castle was to guard the town against the French raids during the Hundred Years' War Late 1400s - a gun tower was added - one of the first in Britain 1462 -  Edward IV granted money for the use a chain (from Dartmouth castle to Godmerock) for defence and this funding was continued by Henry VII Civil War - castle was sieged by the Royalists where it remained for over 2 years The castle has had a significant role in safeguarding Dartmouth harbour The castle was different to what we expected. The actual castle was brilliant - lovely and old, the guardhouse was interesting but more modern. Lovely views back to Dartmouth and across to Kingswear.  Owned by English Heritage Very limited car parking - park and ride then approximately 1 mile walk or castle ferry. Toilets, shop, cafe N & K