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WELCOME TO BERRY CASTLE

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About Berry Castle

Berry Castle has been covered with woodland for hundreds of years until they were cleared in July 2015.  The earliest references to the site are on old maps with the first record found on an ordnance survey map from 1809.  The earliest written records of Berry Castle are found in the Victoria County History for Devonshire (1906) where the site was described as a univallate defensive fort situated on a promontory between two streams.  The feature was strongly defended on the north side but less so on the south where topological features afforded natural protection. 

 

In modern times, Berry Castle’s isolated location within woodland helped preserve the ramparts and ditches from disturbance. During July 2015, due to concern that tree roots were damaging the archaeology, Clinton Devon Estates, Historic England and the Friends of Berry Castle collaborated in a project that resulted in the removal of the trees.  The tree clearance allowed research to take place and geophysical surveys have added to our knowledge of its construction.

 

 Clinton Devon Estates have now withdrawn the site from commercial forestry and agreed it will be managed as a woodland clearing dedicated to the preservation and display of the hillfort. Permissive access has been agreed and Clinton Devon Estates provide support and training to the Friends of Berry Castle to ensure ongoing managing work encourages soft native vegetation and wild flowers to colonise the clearing.

Clinton Devon Estates are pleased to be working in partnership with local people from surrounding parishes and other interested parties, to rescue and secure the future of a remote and nationally important scheduled monument.

   The Friends of Berry Castle continue to work to maintain the site for the community and as an educational resource.

                                                               berrycastlehuntshaw    

DIRECTIONS

From Barnstaple - 

 Follow the B3232 South, towards Torrington.  After 7 miles, turn right at Huntshaw Cross (signed Huntshaw). Follow the road for a mile and turn left at the junction towards Torrington.  After approximately one mile, take the right turn, signed for Higher Darracott Farm.  Follow the lane past Darracott on the left, until you reach Foxes Cross.  Turn left at Foxes Cross and you will find the parking area on the left hand side, after approximately 200 metres.

 From Torrington - 

 From the A386,  turn into School Lane (opposite the church) towards Dartington Crystal and signposted to Weare Giffard.  After approximately 300 metres, at the bottom of the hill, turn right towards Darracott/Huntshaw.  (It is suggested that you do not take the road to Huntshaw Mill, although this is an alternative route).  After approximately two miles, turn left for ‘Higher Darracott Farm’.  Follow the lane past Darracott on the left, until you reach Foxes Cross.  Turn left at Foxes Cross and you will find the parking area on the left hand side, after approximately 200 metres.

CONTACT US

email - berrycastle1@outlook.com

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