Bickleigh Castle

About three miles outside of Tiverton is one of the prettiest little villages in Devon, and a very popular tourist destination for its 'olde worlde' charm. Passing through Bickleigh and following the banks of the River Exe eventually leads to a sturdy, stone gatehouse structure, all that remains of the 14th century Bickleigh Castle rebuilt by the Courtnays (Earls of Devon). They were important landowners at this time, and already had Powderham and Tiverton castles to their name, but when they came to Bickleigh this delightful property could have been more appropriately described as a fortified and moated manor house.

The origins of Bickleigh Castle probably date to Norman times, when the quaint thatched Catholic chapel opposite the gatehouse formed part of the early complex. Considered to be the oldest complete building in Devon, the chapel dates from 1090 and gives a strong sense of time having stood still as it sits now within a cob wall enclosure on the opposite side of the road to the castle. Whether Bickleigh Castle saw any action prior to the Civil War is doubtful, but it was certainly garrisoned as a Royalist stronghold during 17th century. Cromwell's troops eventually captured Bickliegh Castle, and it was subsequently demolished, leaving only the gatehouse for use as living quarters.

Although the Earls of Devon never lived at Bickleigh Castle, it became the natural choice for the younger sons (who would not inherit the title and live at Powderham Castle). Early in the 16th century, Sir Philip Courtenay handed Bickleigh Castle to Elizabeth (a grand-daughter) on her marriage to Thomas Carew, and so began the Carew inheritance of Bickleigh Castle. As little documented building history of Bickleigh Castle has been discovered, much of it is based on assumption. Following the Civil War, it has been suggested that Sir Henry effected essential repairs to the gatehouse, and extended the accommodation with a farmhouse wing. Sir Henry was the last male heir of Bickleigh Castle and, after his death in 1681, it was rarely inhabited. Many of the buildings were used as farm storage, and the site gradually fell into a state of disrepair over the next 200 years. In 1923 the Carew family severed their connection with Bickleigh Castle entirely when they sold the estate. Fifty years later the site was purchased and a lengthy programme of restoration was begun.

Visitors to Bickleigh Castle will notice a distinct Cromwellian theme about the ground floor of the tower, with an extensive collection of armour, including breastplates worn by the Roundheads. These appear unbelievably small, but it becomes apparent that this was indeed the stature of the average 17th century man, as indicated by the dimensions of the old 'loo' off the great hall. The original oak staircase of Bickleigh Castle, dated to circa 1350, is a magnificent example of the robust craftsmanship of the time. Beams and wooden columns are a prominent feature throughout the house, with much of the timber thought to have come from a broken Man of War (warship). This is not surprising if you consider Bickleigh's important naval associations. Sir George Carew, who was occupying the castle during the 16th century, was the Vice-Admiral of Henry VIII's flagship 'Mary Rose'. Unfortunately, he was one of the 600 men who drowned when the ship unexpectedly sunk to the bottom of the Solent in 1545 whilst preparing for battle. Several male descendants of the Carew line had maritime connections, and Bickleigh Castle displays many interesting paintings and nautical objects.

N.B. We understand that Bickleigh Castle was acquired by new owners during 2003, and is now no longer open to the general public.