English Heritage
English Heritage
Protecting the past for future generations
English Heritage cares for more than 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites across the country. Through caring for these places, English Heritage brings the story of England to life for millions of people every year. In Devon alone the collection spans thousands of years – from the Bronze Age monuments of Merrivale and Grimspound, to the medieval castles of Okehampton and Lydford. A tour of the sites is a great way to discover Dartmoor’s history through the centuries.
At the very north of the national park, Okehampton Castle is a not-to-be-missed gem of the area. The ruins of Devon’s largest castle can be found nestling in the foothills of Dartmoor, overlooking the rushing River Okement. The Castle was originally built by Norman conquerors as a dramatic symbol of power, then later converted into a luxurious residence. It provided lodgings for the Courtenay family, who entertained guests while enjoying hunting parties in the adjacent deer park.
The ruins of the Norman keep, high on its motte, can still be explored today – providing stunning views across Okehampton and north Dartmoor. Extensive parts of the medieval guest lodgings, great hall, huge kitchens, the chapel and priests’ lodgings still remain and tell a fascinating story of castle life. A lively audio guide helps recreate the grandeur of the castle’s past life.
Surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, Okehampton Castle is great for walkers, and the riverside picnic area is just the spot to rest and refuel. With the Okement flowing through the grounds, you can often find wildlife on the river banks and it’s a popular place for bird watching, and don’t miss the swathes of bluebells in the spring.
To the west, Lydford Castle and Saxon Town weaves three historic periods into one area. The village of Lydford itself has an unforgettable setting on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, just upriver from the spectacular Lydford Gorge. Its importance in Saxon and medieval times has left its legacy in the street layout and in two castles – the earthwork remains of a Norman castle to the south (now cared for by the National Trust) and, near the centre, a 13th century tower on a mound. To the north there are Saxon town defences.
In the 9th century Lydford was listed as one of the four most important towns in Devon. It occupied a position of great natural strength, a triangular promontory protected on two sides by deep river valleys. The third side was defended by an earthen rampart, the remains of which can be seen as you enter the village from the north-east on either side of the road, near the village hall.
Soon after the Norman Conquest a small defensive earthwork was built on the extreme south-west tip of the promontory at Lydford, and this early castle was abandoned fairly quickly. In 1194 King John authorised the building of a new tower, which would serve as a prison for enforcing the laws that regulated both Dartmoor’s forest and also its important tin industry. The castle continued to be used as a prison throughout the middle ages and into the 18th century.
One of its inmates famously called it 'the most annoious, contagious and detestable place within this realm'. Today it is a far more picturesque place to visit! The area around the ruins are perfect for picnics and exploring with the family – thanks to the large amount of space for children to run and play.
Dartmoor is rich in prehistoric remains, and English Heritage works with the Dartmoor National Park Authority to manage some of the most important sites – including Grimspound and Merrivale. The best known of these is perhaps Grimspound, which dates from the late Bronze Age (about 1450–700 BC). It’s a dramatic spot, where the remains of 24 stone roundhouses still survive, within a massive boundary wall about 150 metres in diameter.
The group of monuments at Merrivale is one of the finest on the moor. Side by side here are the remains of a Bronze Age settlement and a complex of ritual sites, including three stone rows, a stone circle, standing stones and a number of cairns – earth mounds associated with burials. The monuments were probably built over a long period, between about 2500 BC and 1000 BC. Today it is a great place to enjoy a picnic in atmospheric surroundings.
Lydford, Grimspound, and Merrivale are amongst 250 sites in English Heritage’s care which are free to enter. The charity cares for these important places to protect them for future generations – and the generous support of donors helps to make this possible. A great way to both support English Heritage, and enjoy unforgettable days out, is to become a member. Members can enjoy unlimited visits to sites across the country, reduced entry to events, and find out all about England’s history with regular magazines.
Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk
Amy Hulyer
English Heritage