Remains of Castle

The remains of a castle keep are located on a motte in Plympton St Maurice. This structure likely dates from the 12th century, although it may be from the early 13th century. The walls are made of killas rubble, approximately 3 meters thick, and still stand up to about 4 meters high in some areas, featuring putlog holes. The keep has a circular plan and shows evidence of a doorway on its southern side, which includes a deep draw-bar slot on the right. It has been suggested that there may have been a central tower within the keep, similar to that at Launceston Castle. To the west, there is a large bailey with very high earthworks. Historically, the castle was besieged and destroyed by King Stephen in 1136. The current structure may have been built in the 1140s when Baldwin de Redvers regained his estates and was appointed Earl of Devon by the Empress Matilda. However, recent investigations of stone keeps at Launceston and Restormel Castles suggest that this castle might also date from the 13th century, indicating that its dating may need to be reassessed. The site is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.