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Part Grade 1 Listed and part Schedule Ancient Monument, few buildings
evoke such an immediate feeling of history as Tiverton Castle, originally
built in 1106 by Richard de Redvers on orders of Henry I. The de
Redvers were the first Earls of Devon and when the line died out
in 1293 they were succeeded as Earls by the Courtenays, who rebuilt
and enlarged the Castle, and they regarded it as their “head
and chief mansion”.
In 1495 Princess Katherine Plantagenet, daughter of Edward IV, married
William Courtenay who became Earl of Devon. She died in 1527 and
was buried in St. Peter’s Church. Unfortunately for the Courtenays
this royal marriage led to their eventual downfall in that turbulent
age, and the senior line died out in 1556, and the Castle subsequently
had various owners down the ages.
During the English Civil War the Castle was besieged by Fairfax
in 1645, and fell to him due to a lucky shot hitting a drawbridge
chain. There is a fine collection of Civil War arms and armour,
some pieces of which can be tried on.
Nowadays the Castle is a peaceful, private house, and the buildings,
furnishings and exhibits reflect the colourful history and development.
With continuing conservation in the Castle and beautiful walled
gardens there is always something new and interesting to see.
For further information please contact:
Mrs. A. K. Gordon,
Tiverton Castle,
Tiverton,
Devon EX16 6RP
Tel: 01884
253200 / 255200
Fax: 01884 254200
Email: tiverton.castle @ukf.net
www.tivertoncastle.com
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