Synopsis: An impromptu visit to Berry Pomeroy Castle with Mum.
Mum and I visited Fermoy’s garden nursery just a little way out of Newton Abbot on the Totnes road. Mum had a vacant spot in her front garden, and there was just the chance we might find the right plant for it. We were looking at conifers as a possible fit, and found one perfect for the spot. It needed to be eye-catching, have a small habit and also be very slow growing. We found just the ticket, and this is now firmly planted in Mum’s front garden.
After having finished browsing at Fermoy’s, our plan was to drive down to the coast, in the direction of Goodrington. Having travelled a little way in that direction, I realised that we weren’t far from Berry Pomeroy Castle (EH). I asked Mum if she’d ever visited it, and she said she hadn’t, so we detoured in that direction. It was coming up to 4pm by the time we were parked, but the castle was open till 5pm, so we had time for a quick look around.
Although Berry Pomeroy Castle is ruined and much altered from the short time it existed as a castle, I feel it’s an impressive monument. There exists the remnants of a small medieval castle including gate house, towers and parts of the curtain wall. St Margaret’s Tower is where Margaret was imprisoned by her sister Eleanor over rivalry for the same suitor.
Berry Pomeroy Castle - and Mum
The White Lady ghost of the castle is said to be Margaret. I should mention that although Mum and I visited the tower, neither of us saw the White Lady, thankfully. Berry Pomeroy Castle is said to be the most haunted castle in England. Could this be a photo of the White Lady ghost?
Berry Pomeroy Castle - wall painting - Adoration of the Magi c. 1500
Rather interestingly an old painting of c. 1500 was discovered in the plaster of the old gate house. The gate house had by this time been converted to become a chapel. The painting is of the Adoration of the Magi, and this is tantalising a photo of it. A considerably enhanced photo version of the painting can be viewed using this link.
I do think English Heritage have made a very good job of presenting Berry Pomeroy Castle. The information boards dotted around the castle have useful information and excellent art work. This helps enormously one’s imagination of how the castle once was. There’s also a very interesting audio guide included in the price of the entrance ticket. Read about a previous visit of mine to the castle in my blog post for 11 August 2010 or read about a walk from Torquay to Totnes that skirts the castle in my blog post for 26 April 2008.
Mum and I finished off our little outing by driving down to Torquay and having fish and chips in our old favourite cafe on the harbour side. This rounded off the afternoon nicely.
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