Tiverton

Devon

England

Tucked away in the exe valley in Devon, Bickleigh Castle dates to 1018, when the Norman’s built a motte and bailey castle to defend themselves from invading Vikings.

Bickleigh was to see much military action during its long history. Whilst under ownership of Baldwin de Redvers 7th Earl of Devon, during the rule of King Stephen, England descended into lawless anarchy and social unrest, civil war loomed. The nobility were to exploit Stephen’s weak leadership and questioned his rite to the throne over Matilda, Henry I’s daughter. Baldwin took the royal stronghold of Exeter castle in May 1136. Stephen who was enroute to Normandy, hotfooted it back to fight, sending ahead 200 cavalrymen to kill of the rebellion.

The attack was relentless, and lasted over three months. Whilst the castle was eventually returned to a royalist post, the fabric of the building had been greatly damaged and was barely habitable. Baldwin retreated to his castle at Plympton where a treatise was agreed with Stephen, much to the criticism of chroniclers such as Henry of Huntingdon, who wisely foresaw the potential for future uprisings. Stephen was to attack Bickleigh after civil war broke out in 1139, however, with a strong force of local support the king and his army failed, Bickleigh held firm.

EVP Transcriptions

EVP 1: They will build a statue.

EVP 2: We'll gather around you. We won't assult her. We will once again...

EVP 3: Sitting right by that bed. They won't get at you.

EVP 4: Don't let Meryl alone.

EVP 5: I'm sorry.

EVP 6: Behind you.

EVP 7: Oh look there's Rachel. Oh.

EVP 8: Solid lady.

EVP 9: We don't abide on Everest. Barlow is here.

EVP 10: Dudley.