Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBarnstaple Castle

Barnstaple Castle

England
List entry 1020922
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Barnstaple Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification situated in the town of Barnstaple in north Devon. The castle was established in the late eleventh century following the Norman Conquest and served as an important administrative and defensive centre for the control of the North Devon region. The motte, which survives as a prominent earthwork, originally supported a timber palisade and later a stone keep, whilst the bailey contained domestic and military structures. The site remains a significant example of early Norman fortification strategy in the Southwest, though much of the superstructure has been lost to subsequent development and the passage of time.

Barnstaple Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020922. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Barnstaple Castle?

Barnstaple Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification situated in the town of Barnstaple in north Devon. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020922.

Who is responsible for protecting Barnstaple Castle?

Barnstaple Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1020922.

What other scheduled monuments are near Barnstaple Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Burridge Hill fort (2.6 km), Tawstock holy well (3.5 km), Bowl barrow at Codden Beacon (4.6 km).

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