Totnes Castle is one of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle in England. It is situated in the town of Totnes on the River Dart in Devon. The surviving stone keep and curtain wall date from around the 14th century. From after the Norman Conquest of 1066 it was the caput of the Feudal barony of Totnes.

History

thumb|upright=1.3|Internal view of the castle ramparts.

The castle occupies a commanding position atop a large hill above the town, and guards the approach to three valleys.

The first castle on this site is believed to have been built by the Breton Juhel of Totnes (also known as Judhael) who was one of William the Conqueror's lieutenants. was granted to him in 1068, and in order to cement his control over the area he constructed a fortification and founded Totnes Priory within the town.

Preservation

Since 1984 the castle has been under the stewardship of English Heritage. The castle is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building.

See also

  • Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
  • List of castles in England
  • Grade I listed buildings in Devon
  • Totnes Guildhall
  • Totnes Museum

References

  • Totnes Castle information
  • In pictures: Totnes Castle - a Norman show of strength