Bickleigh Castle originated in Saxon times when there was the fortified village of Bickleigh on the site, with a stone wall and watchtower. The Castle itself was built in the early Norman period, remodelled and enlarged as a fortified manor house in the 1400s, damaged badly in the English Civil War, and restored in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
The castle has a fascinating history, with many interesting, famous and even infamous characters in its past, and has particularly close links to the medieval monarchy, the Tudors and the Stuarts. Come and hear about the various royal visitors, the families of Redvers, Courtenay and Carew, and see the armour and artifacts, as well as some fine 17th century portraits.
The tour will start at 2 p.m. and last about an hour, followed by a cream tea at 3.15 p.m. The cost is £6 for the tour and £8 for the tea (pay on the day). We must have a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 26. Lunch is available locally but is not part of the arranged visit.
There is plenty of free parking. There is no direct public transport, but the castle is about half a mile walk from the nearest bus stop served by the 55 bus from Exeter to Tiverton.
To book, and for further details, contact Ruth Hawker by 28 May.
Bickleigh Castle: https://bickleighcastle.com/
