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Okehampton Castle 'motte'

This is the 'motte' of Oakhampton castle. A motte is an enditched mound, usually artificial, which supported the strongpoint of the motte-and-bailey castle, overshadowing the bailey or enclosed courtyard below. The castle was built in as a 'chivalric' type castle. ie: it was built by a rich lord to impress his friends and the local populace with his knightly castle. As it never actually saw any action, or was ever defended. First mentioned in the Domesday Book as the first castle to be built at Okehampton, by the Sheriff of Devon, during the late 11th century. The castle was largely abandoned in 1539 after its owner, Henry, Marquis of Exeter, was found guilty of conspiracy and executed by Henry VIII.