CastleXPlorer

The Dunster Castle is a medieval castle located at the top of the hill in Dunster, Somerset, England. According to the records the first castle existed on the site of the present Dunster Castle since the Norman times. The castle was owned by the Mohun family from 1066 until 1376 when it was sold to Lady Elizabeth Luttrell. Since then was the Dunster castle owned by the descendants of Lady Elizabeth Luttrell until 1976 when the castle and greater part of its contents passed to the National Trust.

Dunster Castle, England

The present structure of the castle was built in 1617 by the architect William Arnold, while from the early Norman castle did not remain any traces except for the gatehouse dating from 13th century. During the English Civil War (from 1642 to 1651) was the Dunster Castle a Royalist stronghold until 1645 when it was seized by the Parliamentary forces. Afterwards the Dunster Castle shared the destiny of many others Royalist castles. Its defences were demolished but the 13th century gatehouse was left untouched. In the next centuries was the Dunster Castle rebuilt and remodelled but the present appearance of the castle dates from 19th century.