Who lived in Dunster Castle and when

Dunster Castle is one of the biggest attractions in Somerset. Since the Middle Ages, Dunster Castle has enjoyed a magnificent position atop the tor, in an ideal location – because it is readily fortified and looks magnificent.

The castle, which was only held by two families, has evolved over time to a family residence from a stronghold and today into a fantastic historic monument.

Ownership History of the Dunster Castle

 Soon after William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066, the de Mohuns who came to build Dunster Castle. This is where the castle’s long and dramatic history begins. In order to pacify Somerset, William de Mohun built a timber fortress where a Saxon hill fort once stood.

The Luttrell family purchased the castle from the de Mohuns in 1376. This family built most of what is still visible at Dunster today. The castle was defended and saved throughout the English Civil War, the gatehouse was constructed in 1420, a Jacobean palace was built in 1617, and the Victorian era saw the castle’s renovation. George Luttrell owned the castle and lived there with his family at the time of the English Civil War’s end. 

The Luttrells now possessed a sizable, comfortable family house that was run effectively with the aid of staff thanks to Salvin’s remodelling. This made it possible for George and his wife Anne to support the railway to Minehead, make significant investments in the local economy, and advertise the town as a port and beach resort.

The Luttrell Family resided here for hundreds of years until Dunster Castle was donated to the National Trust by Walter Luttrell in 1976.

The Luttrells now possessed a sizable, comfortable family house that was run effectively with the aid of staff thanks to Salvin’s remodelling. This made it possible for George and his wife Anne to support the railway to Minehead, make significant investments in the local economy, and advertise the town as a port and beach resort.

The Luttrell Family resided here for hundreds of years until Dunster Castle was donated to the National Trust by Walter Luttrell in 1976.

Odd Apparitions and Ghostly Sightings

The castle has a rich history dating back a thousand years and is full of fascinating tales. At Dunster Castle in Somerset, there have been several reports of paranormal activity. The castle’s eerie atmosphere is enhanced by floating lights, odd apparitions, skeletons discovered shackled together in the dungeon, phantom troops, and a terrible presence.

You can visit the Dunster Castle Gardens to unwind if the ambiance within the castle gets too much for you. The 680 acres of parkland and 15 acres of the sprawling Castle gardens will calm your senses with their alluring natural beauty all year round.