Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle is a historic castle with its oldest parts dating back to the 11th century, with some evidence of 13th-century structures. It underwent significant rebuilding and expansion in the early 14th century. The castle is constructed from a mix of granite, metamorphic rocks, and shale. The earliest structure is the 11th-century keep, which stands on its motte. Evidence of 13th-century buildings can be found in the main bailey, but most of the remaining structures are from the early 14th-century renovations, which included enlarging the keep. This period also saw the addition of a hall, kitchen range, chapel, priests' accommodation, extensive lodgings, a main gatehouse, and a barbican gatehouse. Minor additions were made in the late 14th and 15th centuries, as well as in the late 17th century. The castle is now in ruins, with varying degrees of survival among the remains, although some external fabric is relatively complete. The motte and keep are located to the southwest, while the bailey buildings extend down the valley to the northeast. Okehampton Castle was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the center of the estates of Baldwin de Brionne, the Sheriff of Devon. In 1173, it passed to the Courtenay family, who held it until 1509. The castle occupies a strategic position at the head of the valley, contributing to its significant landscape value. The extensive remains allow for a reconstruction of the early 14th-century layout, making it one of the more complete castle sites in Devon.