An ancient castle located at the top of the steep hill with its fascinating history dating back to at least the Saxon Times. A thousand years of history to be told. Come and join me, I'll show you what's inside.
We were at Butlin's, Minehead last month and on our way, I saw this castle from afar. The next day we went there and explore the castle.
Come, let's see what's inside! I am excited to share this as this is the first castle that I've been that is still intact and not just ruins. Everything inside is so fascinating. So unreal!
But first, let's go and pay before we get in. We are a family of 4 and we paid a £32.50 admission fee and that's for the whole property.
There you go, off we go. The first stop is the castle gate.
Castle Gate
Did you know?
Did you know that this 13th-century gateway is the oldest surviving part of the castle? This was partly demolished in 1650 following the English Civil War.
And to the right, there's the Pit Dungeon.
Oubliette (Pit Dungeon)
It feels so creepy inside this dark place. Do you want to know where is the dungeon?
There, where I'm standing.
It's sealed now.
Oubliette means 'to forget' in French and that's what the place is for. Prisoners would have been lowered into this dark, damp space which you called the pit dungeon through a trap door forgotten about and left to die.
And many medieval castles have these underground cells beneath a gatehouse to hold their prisoners. It's terrifying. I just can't imagine being there alone, left and forgotten till I die. That's awful!
Gatehouse Books
Now let's go to the castle.
What a sight!
First let me tell you the history of this castle. Dunster Castle has been here for over 1000 years as a fortress and it was developed into a family home. A very comfortable Victorian country house! The castle that we see today was remodelled by Anthony Salvin for the Luttrel Family between 1868-1872. They lived here for 600 years.
Then during the English Civil War about 350 years ago Oliver Cromwell's army siege to Dunster Castle and when it's over, he ordered the destruction of the castle. And in 12 days, his men destroyed the castle walls but luckily the house itself was saved by the special order of parliament.
The castle survived when the Luttrell family gift it to The Nationl Trust in 1976 when they face debt and hefty tax. At least it didn't face the same fate as other castles and country houses.
Outer Hall
This is where the guests would enter the house to be welcomed by one of the footmen. Interestingly, the taller the footman/servant was, the more he got paid. If that's the case, I get paid less!
Inner Hall
This is where grand parties and dances were held.
A portrait of Sir John Luttrell hanging on the wall.
Just imagine this place lit with fire in the fireplace and music playing from the piano below the grand staircase.
Dining Room
This is where the Luttrell family are their meals and entertained their friends and guests.
Upon reading it says, one time there's a grand dinner party held for the Maharajah of Jaipur's polo team and Geoffrey Luttrell played a joke on the guest and ask his chef to prepare the hottest curry possible and serve it to everyone except him! He enjoyed how everyone reached for their wine glasses while he stayed cool. Oh, I can imagine that and laugh.
Blue Kitchen
This is interesting as it's so modern! This was once part of Butler's pantry but in the 1960s they arranged a more modern kitchen to be installed here.
But lol the cook never liked the new kitchen and prefer cooking using the old Victorian cooking range but gave in and use the modern kitchen.
Main Staircase
This is a grand staircase carved from a single piece of elm and it is very thick! Lovely carvings on it too!
These are some of the things that are older than us. That's why no one is allowed to sit on those chairs.
East Quantoxhead Bathroom
This bathroom with its original bath and taps is the earliest plumbed-in bathroom in Somerset! George Fownes Luttrell wanted the most up-to-date facilities in the 19th century so Anthony Salvin remodel the castle in 1868-1872.
But lol I was expecting more than this. And a castle this big I'm expecting a bigger space while sitting on that throne.
I will end it here. We have to go up and explore more of this castle in my next post. This is a massive place and quite a walk but everything makes you want to stay and just want to know more.
I hope you enjoy this first part of our Dunster Castle tour! I see you again next.
Thank you for reading.
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