Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times. The 13th-century gatehouse survives, and the present building was remodelled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. A sheltered terrace to the south is home to subtropical plants and the National Collection of Strawberry Trees (Arbutus).
The high walls of Dunster Castle look down over the quaint
village of Dunster from its imperious setting atop of a classically wooded
pyramid shaped hill. The castle is built of bright red sandstone, it
is immediately eye catching, medieval and feudal in appearance.
Dunster Castle
The spot the castle is built on was chosen for its natural defensive position,
its history probably lies deep in the mists of Saxon times, but the main
building as we know it was begun by William de Mohun, a Norman baron. In
1375 the castle came into the hands of the Luttrell family who were to
remain there for over 600 years.
Dunster Castle Somerset
Over the centuries Dunster Castle has been subject to many alterations,
what we look at today is mainly from the 16th-19th century. It is completely
fascinating with many splendid features. Amongst these is a magnificently
carved staircase from 1681 and a plaster ceiling in the dining room of
the same date.
The imposing 15th century gatehouse is part of the medieval castle that
fortunately survived the alterations of the 1800's, these were mostly
the work of the architect Salvin, who built a new tower and reconstructed
much of the exterior into the then popular Gothic style.
The Gatehouse at Dunster Castle
On an historical note - during the Civil War the Luttrell family were
for Parliament, but the Royalists seized the castle. In 1646 Dunster
Castle became the last castle to fall in the county of Somerset after
a siege lasting five and half months.
The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens, woodland and picturesque
tumbling streams crossed by ancient bridges. Steep terraces take you
down to the fringe of the River Avill, en-route visitors can see lovely
tropical plants, splendid groups of Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas and Magnolia
trees. By the Avill stands a restored mill from the 18th century, this
grinds flour for sale, interestingly there has been a mill on this site
ever since the first fortifications where built here in around 1070.
Apart from this there are many other attractive features in the grounds
including a magnificent Victorian conservatory. This is a wonderful landscape to wander, not least for the splendid views of historic Dunster village
and surrounding countryside.
The castle was given to the National Trust in 1976. It is open to the
public.
Dunster High Street in the 1950s
A castle perched high above the sea dominates the north-eastern corner
of Exmoor. For hundreds of years Dunster Castle has stood at the mouth
of the beautiful Anvill valley, peering over the distant waters of Blue
Anchor Bay reminding you of the days when this once great fortress, kept
look out for marauders slipping past Bridgewater bay heading for the
mouth of the Severn and Bristol Docks. Those days, are long since gone
and Dunster Castle, home of one family for over 600 years, is open to
the public. It is a wonderful treasure chest and has lovely sub-tropical
gardens.
Dunster Castle is the historical home of the Luttrell family located
in the small town of Dunster. Colonel Sir Walter Luttrell gave Dunster
Castle and the greater part of its contents to the National Trust in
1976.
There has been a castle atop the Tor at Dunster has been
home to a castle for more than 1000 years. The Domesday Book records
one on this location before 1066.
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Dunster Castle Somerset
The castle was granted by William the Conqueror to William
de Mohun, whose family lived there until the castle was sold in 1376
by Lady Joan de Mohun to Lady Elizabeth Luttrell. Lady Elizabeth's descendants
owned Dunster until the 1976.
Dunster Castle is home to the National Collection of Strawberry
Trees.
Rising dramatically above the village of Dunster and set
between the wooded hills of Exmoor and the sea. With 13th Century Castle
Building and a Norman Motte; 17th Century staircase and fine plaster work
ceilings. Beautifully terraced gardens and riverside walks surrounded
by a 28 acre park.
There has been a castle here since at
least Norman times. The 13th-century gatehouse survives, but the present
building was remodeled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. The fine oak staircase and plaster work
of the 17th-century house he adapted can still be seen. There is a
sheltered terrace to the south on which tender plants and shrubs grow,
and beautiful parkland in which to walk
Dunster
Castle
Dunster High Street to Castle
The history of Dunster is naturally tied with that of the Castle that overlooks Dunster. The
castle has been a strategically important fixture to the exmoor landscape for the last 1000 years. It has a dramatic hill top location that overlooks
exmoor & the Bristol
channel. Punched the skyline with turrets and towers Dunster Castle almost
has a fairy tale like feel to it. Of course being from Somerset the castle
still has connections with Arthurian legend.
The castle has seen its fair share of wars over the years from when the
castle was seiged in 1138 and reduced, through to the civil war in 1642-49
when Dunster Castle was besieged for months.
The castle has been undergoing substantial renovation over the years.
Surrounded by sub-tropical gardens and overlooking Dunster deer park.
The home of the show ground and fairs. One highlight during the year is
the week long archery contest. This boasts the largest longbow competition
in the world. You'll be transported back to days of old when you see
the traditionally dressed archers with yew in hand.
The castle is also Home to the National Collection of strawberry trees
and England's' oldest lemon tree.
The castle has been owed by two main families over the years. Firstly
the Mohuns who built the first proper castle on the site in 1066. By
the Mid twelfth century Gesta Stephani described Dunster Castle as "...impregnable
defences... inaccessible on the one side where it was washed by the tide
and very strongly fortified on the other by towers and walls, by a rampart
and outworks. In 1374 the castle was purchased by the Luttrell family
who owned it pretty much up 1976 when they donated it to the national
trust in 1976.
The castle is now a key visitor attraction in Dunster and hosts regular
events throughout the year as well as being available for event hire.
Dunster Castle Somerset in August
Dunster has a wealth of
ancient buildings, heritage and history to explore. From the Butter Cross, to the
old Yarn Market, Dunster mill, the castle and streets with ancient housing.
All of which still recognisable and close to true to as they were 200
years ago. Dunster is protected by over 200 listings to ensure
that the village preserves it's charm and character for generations to
come.
The nunnery shown in church street is a grade 2 listed building. One
of over 200 in the village.
Local traditions include Apple Wassailing to scare away local spirits
which is still practiced in the Butchers Arms in the neighbouring village
of Carhampton. The hobby horse visits Dunster on the evening of
May 1st.
- The Yarn Market is a notable
example - Originally built around 1600ad by the Luttrell family. It
apparently even has a cannon ball mark from the civil war in one
of it's beams.
- Butter Cross- The old trading post was originally
sited on the corner of the high street and church street but was moved
to the outskirts of the village in the 1800's with increasing traffic.
- Dunster Mill -Built on a site from the Doomsday
survey and the current building is from the 1800's.
- The Nunnery - Clad with slate a beautiful building
in Church Street.
- The Church & Priory - The priory is first mentioned
in 1177 and the church from the 1400's.
- Dunster Station - Opened in 1874 Dunster station
is still serviced by the steam railway West Somerset Railway.
In 1867 George Luttrell inherited Dunster, at the height of an agricultural boom and decided to spend some of the large income from the estate on updating the Castle while respecting its medieval and Jacobean origins. Little had been done to the house since the 1780s. It had become inadequate for Victorian country house
life: There was a shortage of large rooms suitable for entertaining and insufficient bedrooms for family and visitors.
The servants' quarters were very outmoded, and the Victorian preference was to concentrate them in a separate wing.
In 1868 George Luttrell appointed the architect Anthony Salvin to remodel Dunster Castle. Salvin produced plans to transform the existing 17th century house into a combination of medieval style castle and comfortable Victorian gentleman's house.
Dunster Castle and a West Somerset Railway Steam Train
Dunster Castle (SS94), is located on a wooded hill. It has been an important fortress for more than 1,000 years. It overlooks the medieval town of Dunster, with a National Park visitor centre and cloth-making exhibition. Nothing of the castle’s Saxon heritage has survived, and the only remnants from the Middle Ages are an impressive gatehouse and the bases of two towers. Home to the Luttrell family from the 14th century to the mid 20th century, a new house was built within the castle in the early 17th century by William Arnold, and the castle was further redesigned by Antony Salvin in the 19th century. It has lovely grounds which include sub-tropical terraced gardens, England’s oldest lemon tree, a National Collection of strawberry trees, an 18th century landscaped park. The medieval deer-park was enclosed by Henry Fownes Luttrell in the 1750s, and he was responsible for planting many of the fine trees which are there today.
Look here for a number of ancient oak trees, including a massive V-shaped oak to the edge of the ‘Horse Road’.
Once the harbour at Dunster before it became silted
events 2006
Deck the Halls
See how the gardeners make fabulous garlands
and decorations, pick up some tips on decorating
your own home as we decorate the Castle for
Christmas
Adult £3, child £1.50
Festive Farmers Market
Sat 25 Nov11am-3.30pm
Stock up your pantry for Christmas.
Dunster by Candlelight
Fri 1 & Sat 2 Dec 5-9pm
The castle halls will be open for viewings of the
beautiful handmade decorations. Late night
shopping by candlelight at NT shop, open all
evening. Use the Park and Ride system in operation
from Minehead. Adult £2.50, child £1.50
A Victorian Household at Christmas
Sat 9 Dec and Sat 16 Dec 11am and 2pm
See how the servants would have prepared for
Christmas in Victorian times.
Tickets £6
Carols at the Castle
Fri 15 Dec 7.30-9.30pm
Exmoor choir 'Voices' carol singing in the
decorated Castle Halls. Adult £9, child £5 includes
seasonal refreshment.
Dunster Castle Gardens |
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