Ancient Hillfort
0.5 mile W of Kilkhampton
Castle associated with the Grenville family
The date of Kilkhampton Castle's (sometimes known as Penstowe Castle) construction is uncertain, but it was built between the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the end of the 12th century, near to the village of Kilkhampton. It was built during the years of the Anarchy in the mid-12th century, either by Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, feudal baron of Gloucester, who was certainly the tenant-in-chief of the manor of Kilkhampton, or by his tenants and relatives the Grenville family. Stowe House was the Grenvilles' residence at Kilkhampton which was demolished and rebuilt in grand form in 1679 by John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath (1628-1701), and then demolished in 1739.
The Castle was built to a motte and bailey design, positioned on a knoll and protected by steep slopes on the north and south sides. The motte today is shaped as an oval, 59 feet by 26 feet across and between 20 feet and 30 feet high; the inner bailey is 98 feet by 82 feet, and the outer bailey is 79 feet by 66 feet.
Archaeological excavations were carried out in 1925 and in the early 1950's. Now the site is protected under law as a scheduled monument.
Opening TimesAll Year Admission Free |
Ancient Sites in Cornwall Bude Tamar Lakes Country Park Cornish Castles