STOGURSEY CASTLE

Somerset

Stogursey Castle was initially built - probably in wood - by the De Courcy family early in Norman times.  It's name is a corruption of Stoke Courcy.

The first Castle was destroyed on the orders of King John for reasons unknown.  It was reconstructed by the notorious Fawkes de Breaute, but the Castle was again destroyed after his downfall in 1224.  The Castle was not one to lay down and die though and it was rebuilt for a third time around 1330 by the Fitzpaynes; and it is the remains of this third Castle that stand today.

The small Jacobean cottage (pictured right) stands on the foundations of the Gatehouse, and some quite large stretches of curtain wall still stand.  The Castle last saw action during the Wars of the Roses when it was attacked and sacked by a band of Yorkists.

The Castle is today owned by the Landmark Trust and the cottage on the Gatehouse is rented out as holiday accommodation.  The exterior is visible from a public footpath.

Back to Castles of Somerset Page

© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2019