Bickleigh Castle, Norman fortified manor house in Bickleigh, Devon, England
Bickleigh Castle is a fortified manor house on the banks of the River Exe in Devon, built across different periods with structures that reveal its development over time. The grounds hold a gatehouse, a chapel, and stone walls that show the work of many centuries of occupation and rebuilding.
The foundations of the site date back to the 6th century, with major rebuilding work carried out by the Courtenay family in the 15th century. The property sustained damage during the Civil War but retained its core structure, which remains visible in the buildings that stand today.
The property carries the marks of families who shaped the region over many generations. Visitors can see how residents lived across different eras, from the layout of rooms to the gardens that still reflect centuries of occupation.
The grounds sit along a river and offer paths for walking through the buildings and gardens at a relaxed pace. Set aside time to explore the different areas, as the rooms are spread across the site and connected by accessible routes on foot.
A chapel on the grounds dates back to the 6th century and is one of the oldest structures on the site. Underground passages run beneath the property and connect different parts of the complex, creating a hidden network that visitors can explore.
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