Scheduled MonumentsEnglandTotnes Castle

Totnes Castle

England
List entry 1014607
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Totnes Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress constructed in the late eleventh century following the conquest of England by William the Conqueror. The castle comprises a substantial earthen mound surrounded by a ditch, topped by the remains of a stone keep built in the twelfth century, with an outer bailey enclosed by a defensive bank and ditch. Strategically positioned above the River Dart in the market town of Totnes, the castle served as a baronial stronghold controlling the surrounding region and the navigable river valley. The monument remained in use throughout the medieval period and was subsequently abandoned, leaving the earthwork and keep ruins as significant examples of Norman military architecture in Devon.

Totnes Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014607. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Totnes Castle?

Totnes Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress constructed in the late eleventh century following the conquest of England by William the Conqueror. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014607.

Who is responsible for protecting Totnes Castle?

Totnes 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 1014607.

What other scheduled monuments are near Totnes Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Luscombe Cross (2.8 km), Cornworthy Priory (5.5 km), Four bowl barrows at Bickleigh Brake 540m south west of Bickleigh, forming part of a linear round barrow cemetery (7.1 km).

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