NORTHERNHAY GARDENS, EXETER
Just a minute or two from the bustle of the Exeter City Centre is the oldest public open space in the whole of England, originally laid out in 1612 as a pleasure walk for Exeter residents. Much of Northernhay gardens now represent Victorian design, with a beautiful display of trees, mature shrubs and bushes and plenty of flower beds.  The area is also where many statues are situated, most importantly the War Memorial by John Angel and the Deerstalker by E.B.Stephens (pictured below). The Volenteer Memorial from 1895, also in the gardens commemorates the formation of the 1st Rifle Volunteers in 1852. Other statues include John Dinham and Thomas Dyke Ackland. The gardens are laid out in the outer ditch of Exeter Castle.
Passing through a gate in the wall in the centre of the gardens will lead you the 18th Century Rougemont (meaning "Red Hill") Gardens which are set below the walls of the castle, where part of the moat lay, but is now completely dry. The inner bailey of the large stone ringwork Castle was built in 1068 under the instruction of William the Conqueror to defend this important town. The area of Rougemont is a natural volcanic peak. The building of the castle was due to an 18 day siege, and William put Baldwin de Brionne, The gatehouse was defended in the year 1126 by Baldwin de Redvers. King Stephen tried all sorts to take the castle but failed and the garrison only surrendered, after 3 months, due to lack of water. Baldwin and his men were allowed to march out with the honours of war by his Barons, obviously thought highly of their gallantry. Baldwin then retired to the Isle of Wight where he began attacking merchants in the pirate fashion. Exeter was beseiged several times later, but, each time the city and castle were held. A large amount of armour was kept in the Castle, and was last used during the Civil War. It was stored until about 1800 when Colonel John Simcoe took it to Somerset. The armour was brought back to the museum in the 1870's. For many years the castle's yard was used as a gathering place, however the fine Georgian Assize County Courts built in 1774 now occupy the inner part of the castle so this is no longer possible. The courts will move to new buildings in the future so that the castle and yard be accessible for all to see.
Also in the grounds of Rougemont Gardens, just opposite the gatehouse is Rougemont House, built by John Patch, an A plaque near the gatehouse reminds us of the times of witchcraft and hangings in the late 1600's. Executed in Exeter after being found guilty for witchcraft were Temperance Floyd, Mary Trembles and Susanna Edwards on 18th August 1682. Susanna and Mary wept on the way to the gallows while Temperance apparently did not seem to care. In 1685 Alice Molland was the last execution for witchcraft in England.
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his Sheriff of Devon in charge of defence. Some skill and plenty of thought must have gone into it as it gives an extensive view, not only of the City, but also the river and as far as the sea, almost ten miles away. The only means of entrance to the castle would have been a drawbridge. All that remains of the castle today is the early Norman Gatehouse, one of the earliest pieces of Norman building work to survive in the whole of England, and Athelstans Tower. 
At the foot of the gatehouse are some 
Exeter surgeon in the 1700's. It was later changed to a more regency style architecture by Edmund Granger in 1810. The building was purchased by Exerer City Council in 1911, and is currently used as a Discovery Centre.
