Built over 600 years ago, Powderham Castle is the historic home of the Earl of Devon. The Castle is still lived in by the Courtenay family and is one of England's best known Stately Homes.

   The Castle lies in a beautiful setting in an ancient deer park alongside the River Exe, from which the name of Exeter Cathedral and another family title , Marquis of Exeter, is derived, and is at the centre of a large traditional estate of about 4,000 acres. The Castle is open to the public and welcomes thousands of visitors between Easter and October every year and is also exclusively available for private and corporate functions such as dinners, board meetings, dances and balls. The Castle is also approved and licensed for the holding of Civil Marriage Ceremonies and is very popular for wedding receptions.

   The grounds play host to events large and small and the Estuary, which forms part of the Estate, has space for those looking for yacht moorings.

   Above all, Powderham has a unique atmosphere, combining beauty, tranquility and history, which those who visit the Castle, for whatever reason, will remember for a long time afterwards, and sometimes for the rest of their lives.

Note:     The Courtenay family ruled in the 1200’s through 1500’s as
           13 reigns of the Earl of Devon at Powderham Castle, after ruling since the early 1100’s
           as Barons of nearby Okehampton Castle, destroyed by feudal battles. The Courtenay name
           was originated in the year 1010 A.D. by Sire Athon de Courtenay, of Courtenay, France
           southeast of Paris, at a time following the Dark Ages when the custom of last names was first
           invented. Sir Athon’s grandson, Renaud de Courtenay (born 1125), married the English noble
           Hawise de Courcy, Lady of Okehampton Castle, to begin the Courtenay English dynasty.

              Courtenay family members intermarried with the Royal Plantagenet family, such as
           Princess Catherine, and other royalty and nobility of Princes, Earls, and Barons in both
           England and France, for over 331 years. Sire Pierre de Courtenay was Emperor of
          Constantinople during the Crusades, and received the honor of a second coat of arms.

              William Courtenay (born 1342 A. D. ) was Archbishop of Canterbury,
           Bishop of Hereford, Bishop of London, and Chancellor of Oxford University. 
           Sir Hugh Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Devon and William’s older brother, was a co-founder, with
           King Edward IV, of the Royal Order of Knights of the Garter, the highest honor given to a
           small limited group of 26 royals and nobles, which always includes the King and Prince of
           Wales (next in line for the crown).

                                                       Gary D. Courtney - Author, Photographer & Historian

 

 

Tour the castle at  http://www.powderham.co.uk/index.html