Overlooking the historic town from its hilltop, Totnes Castle is one of the most impressively sited castles in England. The Anglo-Saxon town was an important trading centre and its layout is preserved in the streets and property boundaries of the town today. Onto the Anglo-Saxon town the conquering Normans imposed a classic motte-and-bailey castle in about 1068. It was founded, as was the nearby Benedictine priory, at the orders of Judhael of Brittany, a highly favoured supporter of William the Conqueror. Although the castle’s timber buildings were in time rebuilt in stone, they saw little use as a military stronghold or as a lordly residence. But the town that expanded around it thrived, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. The wall-walk of the castle keep provides matchless views over the town and its surrounding countryside. But the ruins of the castle itself reflect above all the turbulent early centuries of this historic place.
- Published: December 2024
- ISBN: 978 1 910907 52 8
- Paperback
- 19 x 22 cm
- 32 pages
| MPN | 9781910907528 |
|---|---|
| GTIN | 9781910907528 |
| Return period | 30 days |
