Okehampton Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Okehampton, England.
Okehampton Castle comprises the remains of a medieval fortification positioned on a hill north of the West Okement River, with visible sections of the motte, bailey, and defensive stone walls. The structures combine Norman building techniques with the landscape's natural features, creating a cohesive archaeological complex.
Baldwin FitzGilbert built the original motte-and-bailey fortification between 1068 and 1086 in response to Norman consolidation efforts following regional resistance in Devon. The construction exemplified Norman control and military strategy in southwest England during this period.
The ruins captured the attention of 19th-century landscape painters, who found in the medieval remains a compelling subject for their romantic compositions.
Access to the ruins is straightforward, with English Heritage maintaining clear paths and informational markers throughout the site. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and becomes slippery after rainfall.
The castle operated through a feudal arrangement where landowners received properties in exchange for providing military service to defend the fortification. This system reveals how Norman rulers maintained power through reciprocal obligations with local landholding families.
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