COMPTON CASTLE

Devon

One of a trio of Castles (with Berry Pomeroy and Totnes) which sit close to each other inland from Torquay, Compton Castle dates from a much later period than the other two.  It dates from the 1200s, but much of the construction that we see today is from a later period - in the 1520s.  It was owned almost exclusively from the 1250s to the 1970s by one family - the Gilberts.

The fortification of the existing manor house was believed to have been carried out by John Gilbert around 1520, in which case it vies with Thornbury in Gloucestershire as the last true Castle built (i.e. a fortified house).

History seems to have passed Compton by completely, and it is to this quirk perhaps that we owe the superb condition of the house.  House and Gardens are a glory, although for the Castle enthusiast of limited interest due to the fact that the house is more manor than Castle.

They are owned today by the National Trust and are open periodically during the summer.

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2018