Lydford Castle

Lydford Castle is a three-story stone tower with thick walls pierced by arrow slits and a rectangular fortified enclosure protected by defensive ramparts and ditches. The structure shows clear medieval military design adapted for administrative purposes.

Built in 1195, the castle served as courthouse and prison for administering Dartmoor's royal hunting grounds and tin mining regions. It was one of the first centralized seats of justice established in the area.

The fortress gained recognition through William Browne's poem 'Lydford Law', which described the harsh legal practices that took place within its walls. Visitors can sense how this place was perceived as a center of authority across the centuries.

The site is accessible via a public car park opposite the Castle Inn, with restroom facilities open from May through October. The remains are situated within a park setting and are straightforward to explore.

The structure represents one of England's earliest prisons built specifically for detention rather than as a secondary function of military defense. This made it a pioneer facility in the design of stone-built justice administration.

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: December 8, 2025 19:50