>>: Home: Accommodation: Visit: Explore & More: Events: FAQs: Contacts:

Hemyock Castle

North West Tower

Recent conservation work has uncovered extensive areas of the external rendering believed originally to have covered the outside of the curtain walls and towers.

Rendering on the NW Tower

The remains of the NW tower had appeared very precarious and it was covered with ivy vines. Some of these vines were as thick as my wrist. Experts had debated whether the ivy was supporting the tower and its leaves shielding the mortar from the rain; or whether its roots were destroying the masonry. Eventually they decided to remove the ivy, uncovering unexpectedly large areas of well preserved rendering. The masonry was then stabilised.

Thick Ivy on NW Tower
(beside a scaffolding pole)

Living thatch - special turf - was fitted to the top of this tower and the other walls to protect them from the weather.

Fitting the Living Thatch to the NW Tower

The NW tower has now been stabilised and conserved. Its masonry proved to be more substantial and better preserved than had been expected.

Rendering on the NW Tower

Geophysical Survey 1999

The western part of the castle enclosure was surveyed by English Heritage, in February 1999. The results suggest the likely location of the western curtain wall, and possible western entrance. The report can be viewed at http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/reports/hemyock/

Much further work is needed to understand the site, but this survey has added considerable interesting evidence.

Hemyock Castle is a scheduled ancient monument, there are now very strict rules which govern any maintenance or conservation work. Most of the other buildings on the site are also listed, so are also covered by strict rules.

Hemyock Castle is privately owned. The manor house is a private family house. The owners pay for the conservation and maintenance. English Heritage has made welcome contributions towards the high costs of specialist skilled workers and authentic materials.

• Return to Hemyock Castle.
  
  
• Mystery Finds in N E Tower.
• Glossary of Feudal, Medieval and Castle Terms.
• Glossary of Ancient Weights and Measures.
• Glossary of Official and Slang Money Terms.
  
  
• Translation of The Magna Carta.
• Declaration of The Rights of Man.

Home: Accommodation: Visit: Explore & More: Events: FAQs: Contacts:

Hemyock Castle is a scheduled ancient monument, normally open for public tours on Bank Holiday Mondays (2 to 5 pm) between Easter and September or at other times for schools and groups.

Comfortable self-catering accommodation is available within the Castle grounds.
An excellent touring centre for coasts, beaches, towns and moors.

To contact us: Click here.

Hemyock Castle, Hemyock, CULLOMPTON, Devon, EX15 3RJ, UK.
© 2001 - 2008. Prepared and published by Curlew Communications Ltd.