01 – Hartland Marsland to Menapoint Church
Kastel Kylgh
Perched high on a hill, Kilkhampton Castle (also known as Penstowe Castle) has watched over the land since its construction during the turbulent 1100’s.
11th-12th Century
The Castle was built between 1066 and the end of the 1100's, possibly during the Anarchy.
1694
The first known reference to the Castle is in the Stowe Atlas of 1694.
20th Century
Partial excavations were carried out in 1925 and the early 1950's, revealing the foundations of some buildings and 12th century pottery.
1957
The site was designated a Scheduled Monument in 1957, protecting the monument by law for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Kilkhampton Castle was built in the 1100s during a time in England called The Anarchy; a bitter succession crisis which erupted between Empress Matilda and King Stephen between 1135 and 1153. Nobles across England chose sides, leading to widespread unrest. In Cornwall, local lords like the Earls of Gloucester, who held the lands at Kilkhampton, shifted allegiances, exploiting the chaos to strengthen regional autonomy. The conflict deeply fractured royal authority and governance.
The castle was a motte and bailey, which means it had a tall mound (the motte) with a wooden tower on top and open areas (called baileys) for people, animals and storage. It was built by a powerful Norman family called the Grenvilles, who lived in the area for hundreds of years. Over time, the castle fell into ruin, but its earthworks like deep ditches and raised banks can still be seen today.
Kilkhampton Castle was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Kilkhampton Castle is a notable example of how people reacted to political instability in the past. Its strategic position on a hill enabled it’s inhabitants to see for miles, controlling movement around through the valleys and towards the sea.
The structure served both defensive and symbolic purposes, asserting control over the surrounding lands and demonstrating loyalty to Matilda’s cause. Cornwall, being at the fringes of royal authority, enabled local lords to exploit the breakdown of central governance to consolidate their own power behind strong walls.
The castle’s association with Robert of Gloucester brings it national importance in the story of the Anarchy. Robert’s ownership of the castle, as tenant in chief directly from the throne allowed his influence to extend into Cornwall, and his support for Matilda shaped the political landscape of the southwest.
Kilkhampton Castle’s construction and use tells a story of local feudal ambition and national dynastic conflict, offering insight into how regional power developed and changed during the medieval period.
Today, impressive earthworks remain and Kilkhampton Castle stands as a reminder of the complex feudal relationships and shifting allegiances that defined the Anarchy and reshaped medieval Cornwall.
Gallery
Kilkhampton Castle might not have its walls or towers anymore, but you can still spot the raised earth where the motte once stood and the wide ditches that kept people safe inside. These shapes in the land show us where buildings and walkways used to be. It’s a brilliant place to imagine what life was like long ago and it’s part of what makes the site so special today.
The castle sits in a wild and windy spot, surrounded by grassland and hedgerows. You might see butterflies fluttering about in summer, or birds like skylarks and buzzards flying overhead. The plants here include grasses, wildflowers and brambles, which are great hiding places for insects and small animals. Keeping this landscape healthy helps protect both the history and the wildlife that call it home.
Visitors can help by sticking to the paths and not climbing on the earthworks, so we don’t damage what’s left of the castle. Taking litter home and leaving plants and wildlife undisturbed helps keep this place special for everyone.
Looking after Kilkhampton Castle takes a lot of care. Monitoring by National Trust staff and volunteers, who own and manage the site, make sure the ditches and banks aren’t being damaged by weather, plants or people. Volunteers help by cutting back brambles and clearing rubbish to keep the site tidy for visitors.
But looking after a place this old isn’t always easy. The earthworks can be vulnerable to erosion from animals digging holes or people climbing on the banks who can cause damage without meaning to. Because there aren’t any stone walls left, the clues about the castle’s past are hidden in the shape of the ground so once that’s lost, it’s hard to get back.
Kilkhampton Castle becomes Kastel Kylgh in Cornish.
It means kastel – castle and kylgh – circle.
Grid Ref: SS 24302 11577
Find with what3words: perused.secret.targeted
Please visit the National Trust website for important visitor information here
Please follow the link above to the National Trust website for information on visiting Kilkhampton Castle.
You can play a part in preserving its beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved!
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
