Compton Castle

The estate was home to the families of Compton, de la Pole, Doddiscombe,[3] Gilbert and Templer.

[8] The original undefended manor house was built in the mid-14th century and consisted of a hall flanked by solar and service rooms at each end.

The castle was home to the Gilbert family until the estate was sold in 1785 whereupon it gradually declined until a descendant bought it back in 1931; he gave it to the National Trust in 1951 on the condition that members of the family should continue to occupy the castle.

Another restored room is the kitchen, which is housed in a separate building because of the risk of fire it posed.

[13] Its Great Kitchen is notable for the insight it gives into medieval domestic life, and its small formal gardens are enclosed by a stone curtain wall.