Lydford Castle, Medieval castle and prison in Lydford, England
The square stone tower stands three stories tall with thick walls, arrow slits, and a rectangular bailey protected by defensive ramparts and ditches.
Built in 1195, this fortress served as both courthouse and prison for the administration of Dartmoor's royal hunting grounds and tin mining regions.
The castle gained national recognition through William Browne's poem 'Lydford Law', which highlighted the harsh legal practices carried out within its walls.
The castle remains are accessible through a public car park located opposite the Castle Inn, with restroom facilities available from May through October.
The structure represents one of England's first purpose-built medieval prisons, combining legal administration functions with defensive architecture in a single tower.
Location: Lydford
Part of: Ringwork, castle, town banks, site of Saxon town and defences
Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lydford-castle-and-saxon-town
GPS coordinates: 50.64360,-4.10942
Latest update: March 21, 2025 09:20
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Ringwork, castle, town banks, site of Saxon town and defences
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Milestone, Lydford Castle, beside the entrance gate
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