Lydford Law and Parliamentary Privilege

Join our English Heritage Curator of History for an exclusive free guided tour of this fascinating site.

As part of the 2026 Heritage Open Days Festival, join us for an exclusive free guided Tour of Lydford Castle & Saxon Town. The tour will be led by our expert English Heritage Curator of History and will focus on the varied uses of the castle, including as a prison for many centuries. You will hear the story of Richard Strode MP and how his law still stands today.

Beautifully sited on the fringe of Dartmoor, Lydford boasts three defensive features. Near the centre is a 13th century tower on a mound, built as a prison. It later became notorious for harsh punishments, with one of its inmates calling it 'the most annoious, contagious and detestable place within this realm'. To the south is an earlier Norman earthwork castle and to the north, there are Saxon town defences.

The tour will take place on Thursday 17 September at 11:00 am and will last approx 1.5 hours. Booking is essential. Meet at the entrance gate to the castle.

For more information on parking and accessibility please go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lydford-castle-and-saxon-town/

Timings

Thursday 17 September:

1100-1230

Location & directions

Lydford Castle, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BH

Contact on day:

Charlotte Willson

Telephone number:

+447823966467

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Spaces are limited so booking is essential.

Booking contact name:

Charlotte Willson

Booking telephone number:

+447823966467

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lydford-law-and-parliamentary-privilege-tickets-1992757566525?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Alternative booking website:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lydford-castle-and-saxon-town/

Booking opens:

30 Jun 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

15 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Additional information

Please meet at the entrance to Lydford Castle.

Max number of people:

20

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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