Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle occupies a narrow rocky ridge surrounded by defensive natural features, including a stream on the north side and waterlogged fields to the south. Its design follows the motte and bailey form common in Norman castles, with a large natural rock outcrop forming the motte. Rising as much as 32 metres tall, the summit measures roughly 29.5 by 15.5 metres. This motte was enhanced by earthworks to strengthen its defensive position.

Atop the motte stands the keep, originally dating from the 11th century. Constructed from massive granite blocks, this sturdy tower may have reached three storeys in height when first built. In the early 14th century, the keep underwent remodeling that reduced it to two storeys and added a rectangular extension on its western side. Noteworthy features include two separate sets of living quarters and a turret containing a staircase that survives to this day.

The principal gateway to the castle was added in the 14th century in the form of a barbican on the northeast side. This fortified entrance included a guard-room situated on its first floor, with numerous putlog holes—small openings used during construction—that were likely originally covered with plaster. A passage extended from the barbican to the main gatehouse, which probably had a drawbridge and provided living quarters for the castle’s constable.

Inside the bailey, several buildings had been constructed by the 14th century to support the castle’s expanded household. On the northern side stood the Great Hall, notable for its large ornamental window, alongside a buttery (a storage room for drinks), kitchens, and a solar—an upper-floor private chamber—positioned above the buttery. To the south, the western lodgings were developed by filling in part of the dry ditch separating the motte from the bailey; these lodgings were later adapted for use as a bakery. The bailey also housed a chapel featuring walls with painted plaster decorations designed to imitate ashlar stonework. On the eastern side were lodgings similar in design to those found at Tiverton Castle.

Architecturally, the castle exhibits a dual character. Its northern face toward the public road presents narrow windows and robust defenses in keeping with its military origins. In contrast, the southern side opens toward the deer park with larger windows and a more comfortable residential style, emphasizing the castle’s role as a noble manor as much as a fortress. The deer park itself extended right up to the castle walls, visually integrating the hunting grounds with the living spaces.

The construction incorporated a variety of local stone materials. Aplite from Meldon and beerstone from southeastern Devon were commonly used, along with granite especially reserved for fireplaces and the original keep. Limestone, shale, and slate also featured in the walls and roofing, with lead and slate covering the roofs. Both interior and exterior stone surfaces were once coated with lime plaster.

Despite its size and fortifications, the castle lacked its own water source and facilities for prolonged siege defense. The motte was separated from the bailey by dry ditches, resembling the design used at Windsor Castle. Defensive features at the keep’s entrance included a wooden bridge that could be raised, accessible only by ladder, to hinder attackers.

The medieval chapel and adjoining chaplain’s accommodation underscore the presence of private worship within the castle grounds. The chapel’s surviving painted plaster walls offer rare insight into decorative practices of the time.

Archaeological investigations have identified evidence of imported fish such as hake, herring, plaice, and whiting, reflecting the dietary habits of the castle’s inhabitants during its occupation. The surrounding deer park, established in the late 13th century, once covered approximately 690 hectares, replacing earlier agricultural land while enhancing the castle’s status and connection to its landscape.