The first record of the Compton lands in Devon is a deed dated 1138-1155. After seven generations of de Comptons, these lands passed to the Gilbert Family by the marriage of Joan de Compton to Geoffrey Gilbert around 1329. Compton Castle has remained in the Gilbert family (with only a single break), for 600 years.

Compton Castle was initially built as a residence. After William the Conqueror became King of England, English Kings ruled much of what is now France until the 1400's. When these territories were lost to France, the south coast of England was open to attack. In 1520, the manor house was converted to a castle by adding fortified towers, the great curtain wall and two portcullis entrances meant to withstand small-scale attacks...