Dunster Castle, Somerset

Situated on the very edge of Exmoor National Park is Dunster Castle; a castle and manor house that has a history that predates the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Dunster is a small medieval village, three miles from Minehead, which is popular with tourists. Overlooking the village, from a hill known as the Tor, is Dunster Castle, a property now owned by the National Trust.

Over a period of 900 years, Dunster Castle has been effectively owned by just three parties; firstly the de Mohun family, then the Luttrells and finally the National Trust. Over this period though, the fortunes of Dunster Castle have mirrored the fortunes and finances of its owners, with building work occurring when fortunes were good, and dereliction occurring in more austere times.

Dunster Castle - marcntomsmum0 - CC-zero

The site of Dunster Castle was being used as a fortification before the Norman Conquest, but after the arrival of King William, the manor of Dunster was passed into the keeping of William de Mohun, a soldier who had fought at the Battle of Hastings.

William de Mohun was charged with helping to prevent rebellion in Somerset, and to help subjugate the population a motte and bailey castle was constructed. Money and labour for this endeavour, and subsequent improvements, came from the tenants who now lived and farmed on de Mohun land.

In a relatively brief period an impressive stone castle was constructed, and within 80 years of construction Dunster Castle was being used as a defensive position during the Anarchy, as forces loyal to Stephen and those loyal to Matilda fought.

Holding out against Stephen’s forces Dunster Castle would remain in de Mohun hands until 1376, when because of mounting debts, Dunster Castle was sold to the Luttrell family.

The Luttrells were fierce Royalists for most of their history, and a Luttrell would normally be found fighting alongside the monarch during any notable conflict for hundreds of years. This gave them a favoured position, but did not always provide the finances to ensure that Dunster Castle was kept as it should be. Through until the 17^th Century, Dunster Castle was improved and made more comfortable, but also left abandoned on occasion.

View of Dunster Castle - Haxxah and KraZug - CC-BY-2.0

The fortunes of Dunster Castle took a serious nose dive during the English Civil War, when it ended the war as a Royalist stronghold. Thus at the end of the war, like so many Norman castles, it was virtually destroyed to prevent it being used against Parliament in the future. Dunster Castle though was lucky, as only the defensive walls were destroyed, and the living quarters were left intact.

Into the Georgian and Victorian period Dunster Castle was sometimes occupied by a Luttrell, and sometimes left empty. When improvements were made, Jacobian features were replaced with Georgian styling, and then Victorian features would enhance the Georgian ones.

Eventually though, in 1976, DunsterCastle was passed into the care of English Heritage, and so the castle was opened to the public as a tourist attraction, and today it is one of Somerset’s most popular attractions. The castle and grounds are opening to members of English Heritage and members of the public willing to spend a small entrance fee. The grounds are very popular, and there is a mile long walk that takes in some spectacular views of Exmoor and the Bristol Channel.