Gidleigh Castle, Medieval ruins in Gidleigh, England
Gidleigh Castle is a stone tower standing three stories high at the edge of Dartmoor with heavily buttressed walls. An undercroft with stone chambers lies beneath the main chamber, creating a structure designed for both residence and defense.
Sir William Prouz built this fortified manor house in the early 14th century as the main residence for Gidleigh manor. The structure endured through the centuries before eventually falling into ruin while retaining its distinctive architectural features.
The building shows how wealthy families in the Middle Ages fortified their homes for protection and status. It reflects the practical building style of the era, when strong walls served both defensive and social purposes.
The ruins can be reached from the village of Gidleigh, located about 2 miles northwest of Chagford in Devon. Access requires sturdy footwear and basic navigation skills, as the site sits in open countryside away from main roads.
The thick walls were built from sandy dolomite rock sourced from Hatherleigh quarry, making them resistant to weathering. This particular stone selection shows how builders sourced materials from specific local quarries for important construction projects.
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