Exeter Castle

The Castle of Exeter stands atop the highest part of the city, within the north-east angle of the city walls. From the reddish colour of the volcanic rock on which it stood, it became known locally as Rougemont Castle.

When Richard III. visited it in 1483, he commended it highly, both for its strength and beauty of situation; but on being told it was called Rougemont, he is said to have mistook the name for Richmond and became uneasy, saying that the end of his days approached; a prophecy having declared that he would not long survive the sight of Richmond.

After its surrender to Roundhead General Fairfax, in 1646 at the end of the Civil War, this once formidable castle ceased to be a military fortress, and although most of it's its towers and battlements remain, the impact of this magnificent structure is hidden behind the undergrowth of the surrounding park and gardens. It is today best viewed from within the castle yard.

There are now but few remains of the very early buildings within the walls, its site being mostly occupied by the former Devon Assize Hall and Sessions House; but the lofty entrance gatehouse, with a circular arch, is still to be seen from Castle St and Rougemont Gardens, formed on the site of the castle fosse, and commanding delightful prospects. There are still extensive remains of the boundary walls of the castle enclosure and early towers to East and West.

Within these ancient walls, much of the original structure of the Devon County Court was erected in 1774, but has undergone frequent alterations and some enlargements, to make it suitable for the augmented business of the county. It is faced with Portland stone, and contains a number of courts.

On the Eastern side of the Session House the visitor may, by prior appointment, ascend to a very pleasant walk on the city walls, overlooking the whole of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

The castle is now in private hands and the aim of the new owners is to create a vibrant hub of art, music, food and drink, open to the public for the next thousand years. So, following nearly a thousand years of Crown occupation, the Exeter Castle, its courtyard and the backdrop of the Northernhay Gardens now provide one of the most unique event & wedding venues in Devon and arguably in the South West. We offer modern yet traditional spaces for culture, commerce & living.

The splendid Castle Courtyard is ideal for outdoor events and has played host to the likes of Coldplay and Le Roux in the past, providing an intimate and impressive backdrop for big names and local talents alike. The Exeter Castle is also a great location for indoor events such as weddings, parties, conferences and other functions with light, airy and newly restored Ballroom and Terrace Rooms.