Compton Castle, North Front in 1998
Brief History: The first part of the building, the Great Hall, was built by Joan, daughter and co-heiress of William de Compton who married Geoffrey Gilbert before 1329. By 1750 this part had fallen into ruin and was subsequently reconstructed in 1954/5. The original stone was re-used, as it had been found out to have been used in the interim period to build some cottages nearby.
Between 1450-75 improvements and extra wings and towers were added, also the chapel was built in its present form.
Around 1520 more additions were made, and the curtain wall, machicolations, embrasures and portcullis entrances added as fortifications. This was deemed necessary, at that time, because the French had been active in raids on the nearby coast.
Compton was the home of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who colonised Newfoundland in 1583. He was the half brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. The family left for Cornwall in about 1750 ( it probably became too uncomfortable to live in! ). Compton was sold in 1800 and subsequently fell into a ruinous state. By 1930 when Commander Walter Raleigh Gilbert bought back the estate only two rooms were habitable. Over the next twenty-five years he set about restoring the building, renovating roofs and floors and installing electricity and plumbing.
In 1951 he gave the property to the National Trust, together with 350 acres of land to support the upkeep of the building in perpetuity. The family still lives here.
Open to the public: April until end of October; Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
10.00am – 12.15pm; 2.00-5.00pm. The great hall, solar, old kitchen, scullery, chapel and rose garden and new knot garden are shown.
Adults: £3.20; Children (age 5-16) £1.70; Under 5 years Free; Party Rate (15 or more pre-booked): Party Adults £2.60; Children £1.40; National Trust Members Free.
Events 2004
July 16th Facsimile Productions Presents British Touring Shakespeare.
"The Taming of the Shrew" Limited number of tickets. Please book in advance via www.facsimiletheatre.co.uk
Don't forget your picnic and chairs and or rugs! Gates open 6.15pm and performance starts at 7.15pm
For more details about Compton Castle:
See the National Trust official on-line website at