The tower of Lydford Castle, Lydford, Devon
Soon after the siege and capture of Exeter by William the Conqueror in 1068, a small defensive earthwork was built at Lydford. The early castle was probably abandoned fairly quickly. In 1194 King John authorised the building of a new tower to house offenders against both the forest and stannary (tin districts of Devon) laws. The stannary court had an evil reputation for rough justice. Since 1337 Dartmoor and Lydford Castle have formed part of the possessions of the Duchy of Cornwall. The property is in the care of English Heritage (2011). Read more.
