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© Tim Belcher
IoE Number:
264651
Location:
DUNSTER CASTLE AND GATEHOUSE, CASTLE HILL
DUNSTER, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET
Photographer:
Tim Belcher
Date Photographed:
21 June 2006
Date listed:
22 May 1969
Date of last amendment:
22 May 1969
Grade
I
The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incorporate subsequent amendments to the list. For the statutory list and information on the current listed status of individual buildings please go to The National Heritage List for England.
1.
5366 DUNSTER CASTLE HILL
Dunster Castle and gatehouse
SS 9843-9943 4/20 22.5.69
I
2.
Built originally by William de Mohun in the 11th century. Of the Norman castle no
trace remains, the oldest surviving feature is the 13th century Gateway flanked on
either side by a semi-circular tower with a vaulted chamber at ground floor level
lit by arrow loops. Adjoining the gateway is the Gatehouse erected in 1420 by
Sir Hugh Luttrell, the first of the family to live at the Castle. The heraldic
panel over the entrance was set up in the 16th century. Two buttresses were added
to the east wall in 1428. In 1764 the level of the lower ward was raised, submerging
the first two storeys, the upper part was enlarged by the addition of two battle-
mented polygonal turrets on the west side, pierced by arrow loops. The present
castle buildings were thoroughly reconstructed from circa 1617 onwards from designs
probably by William Arnold, refurnished in the 18th century and extensively
enlarged and remodelled in 1869-72 by Anthony Salvin. Red sandstone walling dressed
and coursed on the west wing and porch tower elsewhere random rubble. Window
surrounds in dressed Doulting stone. Mainly three storeys, H-shaped plan of
Jacobean building altered in 19th century to roughly L-shaped. Main elevation to
north-west comprises embattled centre block, single square headed mullioned and
transomed windows either side of porch tower. 4-centred entrance doorway with wood
mould terminated with label stops bearing initials of members of Luttrell family.
Large coat of arms above. West wing with three window front and staircase tower in
return angle. East wing has prominent octagonal staircase tower with conical roof
and arrow loops. Good interior features of 17th and 18th centuries including oak
staircases, ornate plaster ceilings and overmantles, panelling, etc.