This morning we drove to Castle Drogo, a country house near Drewsteignton, the last castle to be built in England and probably the last private house in the country to be built entirely of granite. It was built by Julius Drewe (businessman and founder of the ‘Home and Colonial Stores’) and his wife Frances, to the design of architect Edwin Lutyens and commenced in 1911. The castle took many years to complete, with the First World War and the economic downturn causing many delays. Castle Drogo was finally completed in 1930, considerably reduced in scale from Lutyens's 1911 designs, and only a year before Julius died.
The building was gifted to the National Trust in 1974, although the family still has one wing for their use.
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| Castle Drogo |
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| The Dining Room - Castle Drogo |
We were all very impressed with the whole operation. There is no doubt that the National Trust does a better job than many of the commercial tourist operators (and free entry with National Trust membership). Maybe it’s because of the extra staff (volunteers) and the fact that they are there because they love what they do. The original furniture and fittings were still in the house and included furniture that the Drewe’s had acquired prior to moving to the castle. Apparently, Drewe made his fortune in tea in India and retired to Torquay at 33 years of age before building Drogo. Venetian chandeliers and glassware were particularly impressive.
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| The formal garden - Castle Drogo |
The fact that it was built in the 20th century also meant that it had all the ‘mod cons’. Hot and cold water, electricity (from water turbines on the river which also provided street lighting and hotel lighting in the nearby village of Drewsteignton), telephone switchboard etc. The castle also had some great children’s equipment – a rocker, push toy (like a tricycle with a handle for an adult to push), doll’s house (with electricity and running water). Another impressive thing about the castle (I guess reflecting the time it was built) was the working facilities for servants - much improved on anything we have seen to date. The grounds were also quite spectacular – great views over the valley and an extensive formal garden and a circular croquet lawn. We took a picnic lunch and ate it in the grounds.
From there we drove on to Sticklepath to another National Trust building, the Finch Foundry with its 19th century water-powered forge.
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| The Water Wheel - Finch Foundry |
The foundry was active until 1960 and was originally used to produce agricultural and mining hand tools. It contains examples of a tilt hammer, drop hammer, and shear hammer all powered by the water wheels. There were volunteers (presume they were volunteers) there to show us how the equipment worked - another impressive site.
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| The workshop - Finch Foundry |
Back to Dunsford via Moretonhampstead where we picked up a few bits and pieces at the supermarket. After dinner it was planning time for a couple days in Cornwall from tomorrow.
