From Totnes Castle

Image: © Kate Jewell Taken: 30 Jul 2008

Looking towards the south east and Dartmouth from the top of the keep at Totnes Castle. The River Dart can be seen in the distance with the open farmland rising on the left. The façades of the High Street can be seen in the foreground. Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey castle owned by English Heritage. It was founded soon after the Norman Conquest in 1068 by Juhel of Totnes to subdue the Saxon town. At the beginning of the 13th century the shell-keep was constructed by William de Braose but by the end of the century this had fallen into disrepair. The castle, which had passed to the Northamptonshire de la Zouch family by marriage, was subject to a Royal order in 1326 requiring the structure to be refortified and, although the buildings in the bailey were left to deteriorate, a stone curtain wall was built. The keep was also rebuilt and maintained until the late 15th century. It is this building that crowns the steep castle mound, which allows these spectacular views across the town rooftops.

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