Affeton Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Affeton Castle |
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| Devon, England | |
Affeton Castle
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 Affeton Castle
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| Coordinates | 50°54′33″N 3°46′18″W / 50.9092°N 3.7717°W |
| Type | Fortified manor house |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Grey stone rubble |
Affeton Castle is an old gatehouse that was turned into a home. It is located near East Worlington, Devon, England. It was once part of a bigger, strong house called Affeton Manor, which was destroyed. The castle sits on a hillside near the Little Dart River.
It was built in 1434. The main house around it was ruined during the English Civil War in the 1640s. By the early 1800s, the gatehouse itself was falling apart. It was fixed up in 1868-1869 by Sir George Stucley, 1st Baronet to be a place for hunting trips. Later, in 1956, it became the private home of Sir Dennis Stucley, 5th Baronet. The castle is about 18 meters long and 6.7 meters wide. It is a special historic building, protected as a Grade II* listed building.
History of Affeton Castle
Affeton Castle was originally part of a large, strong house. The Stucley family built it from grey stone around 1434. The Stucley family got the Affeton land when Hugh Stucley married Catherine de Affeton. Hugh Stucley was the Sheriff of Devon in 1448.
The gatehouse was a big part of the house's defenses. It had a tall arch where people and carts could pass through. This arch is now partly filled in to make a smaller front door.
Restoring the Castle
The gatehouse was restored in 1868-1869 by Sir George Stucley, 1st Baronet. He was born George Buck but later became the first of the Stucley baronets. He fixed it up to be a "shooting-box." This was a place for people to stay when they went grouse hunting on the nearby Affeton Moor.
The castle was passed down through the Stucley family. It went to Lt.-Col. Sir William Stucley, then Sir Edward Stucley, and then Sir Hugh Stucley, 4th Baronet. This Sir Hugh lived at another house called Moreton House.
Affeton Castle Today
The 4th Baronet gave Affeton Castle to his son, Sir Dennis Stucley, in 1947. In 1956, Moreton Hall was sold. Affeton Castle then became the main private home for the Stucley baronets. Sir Dennis added two bathrooms to the castle, as it didn't have any before.
Today, Sir Hugh Stucley, 6th Baronet lives in the castle. He was born in 1945. The castle is a private home and is not open to the public. The family also owns Hartland Abbey, which visitors can see. Sir Hugh has added more rooms to the castle, including a nursery and extra bedrooms.
Images for kids
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Affeton Castle
