Devon Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT)

The charity’s object and its principle activity continues to be to preserve for the benefit of the people of the County of Devon and of the nation at large historical, architectural and constructional heritage within the County in the form of buildings of particular beauty or historical, architectural, or constructional interest, or ancient monuments. As part of our remit we seek long terms viable occupiers to ensure the longevity of the buildings.

When planning activities the Trustees consider the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science.

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle), Dunchideock, near Exeter:

In 1992 it was in such a poor state that it was uninhabitable. The Trust took a lease from the owners Stringer Lawrence Memorial Trust (SLMT) in 1994 and completed a restoration that has renovated all three floors and found a use that will guarantee its life well into the future. Great craftsmanship has been required to restore the challenging and partially destroyed 17th century fabric. In this work it has been assisted by an English Heritage grant and in 2016 further grant from Viridor Credits. The Belvedere was returned to its owners SLMT in 2022 and as a result weddings will no longer be hosted.