Why was Barnstaple castle built?
Barnstaple Castle stood near what is now the centre of the town of Barnstaple, Devon (grid reference SS557332). When it was built, it was on the western side of the fortified town and commanded a good view of both the town and its important river crossings.
When was Barnstaple castle built?
1066 and 1107
Barnstaple Castle is a major element in the historic town plan. It was built between 1066 and 1107 and together with Exeter, Lydford and Totnes it forms an outstanding group of Norman castles that were erected in the four late Saxon boroughs in Devon after the Norman conquest.
Is Barnstaple a big town?
Rich history. Barnstaple is one of the UK’s oldest boroughs as well as being one of the largest towns in North Devon. It is home to a number of the well-known historic markets, as well as being the base of the flagship Brend Hotels chain.
What is the oldest town in Devon?
Barnstaple
Geography. Barnstaple, the main town of North Devon, claims to be the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.
Is Barnstaple worth visiting?
A must see are the quaint alleyways and courtyards, the speciality shops and the open fronted shops near the market. Despite the history and tradition, Barnstaple is not a quiet backwater; there is a modern shopping complex too, if that suits you.
Did Vikings come to Devon?
In 997 the vikings came to Devon. They began in Cornwall in the spring, then headed north to attack the coast of southern Wales before moving east to Watchet in Somerset, where they stayed for longer than was usual.
Did Devon used to be called Devonshire?
Devon is officially just Devon, not Devonshire. Cumberland is named after the Celtic kingdom of Cumbria, the ancient name being revived in 1974 for the new county which includes Westmorland. Northumberland is named after the kingdom of Northumbria of which it was once a part.
Has Barnstaple got a beach?
On the north side of Barnstaple, usually reached in 20-25 minutes by car, are the fabulous long sandy beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe/Putsborough (recently voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world).
What is there to do in Barnstaple today?
Things to do in Barnstaple and North Devon
- Barnstaple Pannier Market. The Market trades every day of the week on butchers row and hosts regular food festivals.
- Arlington Court.
- Affinity Devon Shopping Outlet.
- Blakewell Fisheries at Muddiford.
- Air Extreme.
- Barnstaple Museum.
- Bowling.
- Broomhill Sculpture Gardens.
Did Vikings raid Devon?
Devon in Anglo Saxon times By the 9th century, the major threat to peace in Devon came from Viking raiders.
Did the Vikings go to Cornwall?
There’s no shortage of evidence of Viking raids from the Church historians of the time. In 838AD, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle recorded a battle fought at Hingston Down in east Cornwall in which the local Britons joined forces with the Vikings against King Egbert of Wessex and his attempts to expand his kingdom.
Who was the first person to build Barnstaple Castle?
A wooden castle was built by Geoffrey de Mowbray, Bishop of Coutances in the 11th century, clearing houses to make room for it. Juhel of Totnes later occupied the castle and founded Barnstaple Priory just outside its walls. The castle’s first stone buildings were probably erected by Henry de Tracey,…
Where was Barnstaple Castle in the Domesday Book?
The castle was sited within the western corner of an earlier Anglo-Saxon defended town or burh and was probably under construction by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, although it is not recorded in documents until the 12th century.
Where was Barnstaple Castle on the River Taw?
The castle, which has a surviving motte, stands on the east bank of the River Taw at its confluence with the River Yeo just upstream from where the Taw broadens out on its journey to the Bristol Channel. It thus protected the lowest point at which the Taw could be forded in medieval times.
How tall is the motte at Barnstaple Castle?
The earth and stone-built motte, which stands about 14m high with a diameter of just over 60m, retains masonry fragments of a stone defensive wall and an inner circular tower known as a donjon or shell keep with wing walls descending the slopes of the motte. In plan it was roughly circular and comprised two concentric walls.