Tiverton Castle, Tiverton, Devon, Southern England - August 2024

Tiverton Castle is in the centre of the historic town of Tiverton in Central Devon. It was originally built as a motte and bailey castle in 1106 by Richard de Redvers on orders of Henry I. The de Redvers were the first Norman Earls of Devon. Henry III visited Tiverton in 1250 and it is believed that he stayed at the Castle with Amicia, Countess of Devon. His second son, Edmund, married her granddaughter in 1269.

The Earls were succeeded by the Courtenays, who rebuilt it in stone and enlarged the Castle.

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 next door. Katherine`s son, Henry, was implicated in a plot against Henry VIII and beheaded in 1539. His son, Edward, aged 12 was imprisoned in the Tower of London and only released by Queen Mary in 1553. He and Princess Elizabeth were linked romantically, suspected of being involved in a plot against Queen Mary, again imprisoned, but soon released. The Castle has had various owners through the ages.

During the English Civil War the Castle was besieged by Sir Thomas Fairfax in 1645, and fell to him due to a lucky shot hitting a drawbridge chain. This video shows some of the marvellous collection of Civil War arms and armour.

The Carew family owned the Castle from 1727-1922/23 and during their time they made various changes to the Castle.

Nowadays the Castle is a peaceful, private house, and the buildings, furnishings and exhibits reflect the colourful history and development and the video also show the impressive walled garden.