The castle was founded by the Pomeroy family who came to England with William the Conqueror.
During the 12th century and later the castle was reconstructed in stone. The only medieval buildings that remain stretch from the gatehouse to St Margaret's tower. The castle was bought by the Duke of Somerset in 1548 but his heirs only enjoyed the benefits of this acquisition for 100 years.
In the Elizabethan period the Seymours constructed a great mansion. However, it was never lived in to style the family intended. The Civil War suspended work on the building. Having been damaged by the Parliamentarians in the final stages of completion the Seymours abandoned the property in about 1688.
At the end of the 17th century fire destroyed the roofs and only ruins of the castle and mansion remain to this day.
Berry Pomeroy Castle Opening Times2009: 21 Mar-30 Jun: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun; Jul-Aug: 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; Sept: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun; Oct: 10:00-16:00 Mon-Sun. Last entry 30mins before close. Closed 1 Nov- 31 Mar.
Tel: 01803 866618 Berry Pomeroy Castle Website
