BICKLEIGH Court Castle, situate on the banks of the Exe, about one mile from Bickleigh, is an ancient and romantic ruin. Prince quaintly remarks, "As for Bickleigh House, 'tis ancient pile, built with turetts, and moated round with water, which whether it may conduce most to the health of the inhabitants, it becomes them most that must live there to enquire after."

The turrets are now levelled low in the dust, and the boundaries of the moat are no longer to be distinguished. The remains of a chapel at a little distance are converted into a barn; and the walls of the castle which were wont to resound with the praises of the fair, where streamed the banners and hung the polished armour, are now used as a cider cellar. The remains of gothic arches, enriched cornices, and stone carvings, intimate that a considerable degree of splendour attached to this baronial court. The principal entrance is under a strong pointed gothic arch towards the Exe, and the roof of the passage, which is still entire, is of admirable workmanship. Considerable danger attends exploring the ruins from its dilapidated state- the wind whistles through the shattered and unroofed walls, and birds find a safe asylum in the twining ivy.

The drawing was taken from the new road; it presents a view of the castle with the rich woods and slopes behind. The castle is the property of Sir Henry Carew, of Haccombe.

[Text may be taken from a different edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]