...is his castle! Or in this case...
We spent a very pleasant half day here while staying at Bickley Mill Inn in South Devon.
If you are in the area the Castle is well worth a visit! The Inn was quiet as no wedding was booked in while we were staying. Oh, I can also recommend...
Back to the castle though, more a fortified manor really, with familial connections to Sir Walter Raleigh and the foundation of the Newfoundland colony ~
The plan and pictorial depiction give some idea of the layout and history. Photographs are no longer permitted indoors, but then noone told me at the time...
The Squirrel, model of an Elizabethan era warship.
An ECW era cannonball found during restoration ~
A few pictures now of the castle itself ~
The main gate originally defended by two portcullis.
Main gate, flanked by two towers, mounting block visible in foreground.
Tower enfilading the main gate, complete with murder holes (or garde robe?)
The Solar, still home to the present generation of the family, hence the photo ban!
The Great Hall in the centre there, with the spiral staircase to the Solar.
The Great Barn! Inside there were a large number of costumes to try on, for both children and adults. Did we have a go? Of course we did...
"Fear not my lord, for I have a cunning plan!" Image enhanced by a bit of background courtesy of AI!
The Tea Rooms opposite the castle, where visitors have to park, is also highly recommended by Sue (and me!)
.jpg)
A fine looking gaffe, I shall seek it out if we are ever in that neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteWell worth the effort, as are the adjacent tea rooms.
DeleteMr.B. forgot to mention it is located in Gropers Lane ...apparently renamed by some prudish Victorians ...
ReplyDeleteTrust you to know that...
DeleteAs a child I lived nearby and remember visiting the Gilberts quite vividly.
DeleteVia the Tradesman's entrance?
DeleteI believe my late father was on the board of some committee with one of the Gilberts so we went in via the front door ...
DeleteGoing up in the world, eh?
DeleteA fine looking Manor House by the look of it David 👍
ReplyDeleteVery fine in my opinion.
DeleteLooks like it was a good place to visit, very interesting.
ReplyDeleteRecommended if you are ever in the area, though only open Tuesday to Thursday.
DeleteA cunning ruse ... and explains why the castle (it's really a fortified manor) was never taken by force.
DeleteCunning these aristos!
DeleteExcellent looking building David! You look slightly more more enthusiastic then your wife . It's good there is tea there she likes.:-)
ReplyDeleteSue is as fond of history as I am, not so keen on being in photos sometimes. The Tea Rooms are excellent!
DeleteOh I see, my wife is similar in regards to photos of herself(not history).
DeleteGlad we cleared that up Christopher.
DeleteLooks like a very splendid day out there David, and I love that model ship:)!
ReplyDeleteI would recommend a visit if you are in the area. Parking is a bit limited though.
DeleteAn excellent looking day out there by the look of it Dave, thanks for sharing the fine photos. I particularly liked the ruff-looking chap in the hat!
ReplyDelete