THE project to save Castle Drogo has led to the village of Drewsteignton receiving a commemorative stone sundial to remember the start of the First World War.

Tim Cambourne, Castle Drogo project manager said: 'There is a very close connection between the National Trust and the residents of Drewsteignton and surrounding villages. Many of the craftsmen working on the castle enlisted along with Julius Drewe's three sons. 

'Like many of the men, the heir to Castle Drogo died at war and building work was curtailed and the castle not completed until 1930, the walls of which are said to be memorials to its lost community of craftsmen.

'It is for these reasons that we offered to provide this memorial, created by the craftsmen currently working on the castle, to the parish as a gift from the National Trust and our contractors currently working on restoring the property.'

Bill Savage, chairman of Drewsteignton Parish Council said: 'Castle Drogo and the Drewe family have played an important part in the parish of Drewsteignton for 100 years. When the castle was being constructed many of the workers from this and neighbouring parishes left to fight in the First World War.

'A century later we find major renovation works being undertaken by the National Trust at the castle and the parish council were thrilled when the trust and their contactors, William Anelay Ltd, approached us offering to erect a commemorative stone to the war in the parish.

'Negotiations between the council and Tim Cambourne have resulted in this wonderful monument in the village garden at Drewsteignton.'

The sundial was unveiled in Drewsteignton Village Garden on Remembrance Day at 10.45am.