Compton Castle

Compton Castle is a fortified manor house in the village of Compton, about 5 miles west of Torquay. The castle dates from mid 14th century when it probably consisted of a great hall and service rooms. It has been the home of the Gilbert family for most of it’s history, the most famous of which is Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539–1583), a coloniser of Newfoundland and half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. It is believed Walter Raleigh was introduced to smoking when vistiing the house. The house has been used for fil and tV including the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility. It is now managed by the National Trust.