Launceston Castle, Launceston, United Kingdom

Launceston Castle was probably built by Robert the Count of Mortain after 1068, and initially comprised an earthwork and timber castle with a large motte in one corner. Launceston Castle formed the administrative centre of the new earldom of Cornwall, with a large community packed within the walls of its bailey. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and then substantially redeveloped by Richard of Cornwall after 1227, including a high tower to enable visitors to view his surrounding lands. When Richard's son, Edmund, inherited the castle, he moved the earldom's administration to Lostwithiel, triggering the castle's decline. By 1337, the castle was increasingly ruinous and used primarily as a gaol and to host judicial assizes.

The castle was captured by the rebels during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, and was garrisoned by the Royalists during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Towards the end of the civil war it was stripped for its building materials and rendered largely uninhabitable. A small gaol was erected in the centre of the bailey, which was also used for executions. The castle eventually became the county gaol for Cornwall, but was heavily criticised for its poor facilities and treatment of inmates, earning it the nickname Castle Terrible. By 1842, the remaining prisoners had been moved to Bodmin Gaol and the site was closed, the castle being landscaped to form a park by the Duke of Northumberland. During the Second World War, the site was used to host United States Army soldiers and, later, by the Air Ministry for offices. The ministry left the castle in 1956 and the site was reopened to visitors.

In the 21st century, Launceston is owned by the duchy of Cornwall and operated by English Heritage as a tourist attraction. Much of the castle defences remain, including the motte, keep and high tower which overlook the castle's former deer park to the south. The gatehouses and some of the curtain wall have survived, and archaeologists have uncovered the foundations of various buildings in the bailey, including the great hall.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Russell Haggata (11 months ago)
In the centre of Launceston. Very over priced, £10.50 per adult in 2024 Not much to do, very disappointing No car park

Jim O'Toole (11 months ago)
Interesting remains of this once important castle. Used as a county gaol in the past and as the home of the Earl of Cornwall. You can clearly see where the floors and ceilings used to be. It's a steep climb up several sets of stairs to the top of the castle but the view is worth it. The surrounding grounds, which also have remains of the assizes buildings, are used as a park for locals and visitors. There is no cafe or toilets on site but the town centre is a 5 minute walk away. I parked at Westgate St car park.

Kerenza Jinks (11 months ago)
We enjoyed the walk and the view was absolutely amazing (I couldn't get to the top, but others did, darned vertigo!). We followed the cat around (you'll see when you get there!) and learned a lot. It is ruined, but so would I be if I were made in Norman times! Lol

Mel Allred (12 months ago)
Great views and interesting history lesson. A lovely walk and sightseeing trip for family and friends. Had some 75 steps to the tower and an additional 15 or so to the top of the tower, but not difficult or unsafe. My wife did get a little bit acrophobic at the top. Recommend buying annual family passes to either English Heritage or National Trust as visiting three sites would cost as much as buying the annual pass. A great value and an endless ticket to over 600 sites combined. Unedited photos, you're welcome to edit and use as you wish, if you wish :) Also a few photos of the lovely town of Launceston.

Julia Withers (13 months ago)
A look back into our fabulous rich history. There's no better way to explore these important, historical buildings than with English Heritage.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Launceston Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople