|
Surrounded
by a deep moat and perched on a high mound, the huge circular keep
of this castle, built at the turn of the 14th century, still survives
and is a popular attraction in Cornwall.
Click
here
enjoy a gallery of photographs from Restormel Castle.
|
Restormel
Castle is a mile away from Lostwithiel, to the west of the River
Fowey and it commands amazing views of the Cornish countryside.
The
Keep itself is entered through the strong gateway, just above the
moat, which has long since dried up.
There
was originally a drawbridge over the moat leading to the entrance.
History
Highlights
The
early history of Restormel Castle is shrouded in mystery.
There
is no mention of it in the Domesday Book. Researchers believe the
first castle was built by Norman conquerors.
Restormel
originally formed part of the Manor Of Bodardle. In 1086 this was
held by Turstin the Sheriff. It seems likely it was his son Baldwin
Fitz Turstin who built the original Restormel castle.
The
site of the castle overlooks what was once the major crossing point
of the River Fowey.
The
gateway entrance dates from two periods. The inner part was probably
the earliest stone building on the site. The outer extension dates
from the 13th Century.
Towards
the end of the century, the main castle buildings within the Keep
were completed. These included the accommodation, Great Hall, and
the kitchen which were all located around the circular inner courtyard
at Restormel.
 |
| Entrance
to the castle |
The
importance of the castle increased when the administrative centre
for the area moved from Launceston to Lostwithiel.
It
was probably King Edmund in the 13th Century who built the stone
keep. This replaced the original timber defences.
In
1337 the castle, in a state of minor disrepair, passed into the
hand of the first Duke Of Cornwall, Edward, The Black Prince. At
this time, the deer park boasted 300 deer which made it the largest
of its kind in Cornwall.
By
the early 16th Century the castle was unoccupied and in an almost
ruinous state. The keep was patched up during the civil war.
 |
| Restormel
Castle today |
The
castle was captured by Sir Richard Grenville in 1644. This was probably
the only time the area saw any military action.
The
18th Century saw the castle an ivy clad ruin.
Finally
English Heritage took over the responsibility for the castle in
1984.
It
is still owned by The Duchy Of Cornwall.
|
Restormel
Castle Opening Times
|
|
1
Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
|
|
Castle
Admission
|
|
Adults:
£2.20
Children: £1.10
Concession: £1.70
English Heritage Members: Free
Click
here for more
|
|
More
from English Heritage
|
|
Chysauster
Ancient Village
|
|
This
Celtic settlement was originally occupied almost 2,000 years
ago. The ‘village’ consisted of eight stone-walled
homesteads known as ‘courtyard houses’, which are
only found on the Land’s End peninsula and the Isles
of Scilly.
1
Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
|
|
Pedennis
Castle
|
|
Pendennis
Castle, Falmouth
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-30
Sep 10am-5pm Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1
Oct-31 Mar* 10am-4pm Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
24-26
Dec and 1 Jan Closed
1
Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm* Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
*Closes
at 5pm on Saturdays
*1 Apr - 31 Oct Sat access may be by guided tours only, closing
at 4pm, call to confirm - 01326 316594.
|
|
St
Catherine's Castle
|
|
Fowey:
A
small fort built by Henry VIII in the 16th century to defend
Fowey Harbour, with two storeys with gun ports at ground level.
Open
All Year Any Reasonable Time Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
|
|
St
Mawes Castle
|
|
St
Mawes:
This, the most perfectly preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal
fortresses, was built to counter the invasion threat from
Europe in partnership with its twin, Pendennis, on the other
side of the Fal Estuary.
1
Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm*
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-31Oct 10am-4pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm
Mon Fri Sat Sun
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed
*May close at 4pm on Saturdays from 1 Apr-31 Oct. Call to
confirm 01326 270526
|
|
Tintagel
Castle
|
|
With
its spectacular location on one of England's most dramatic
coastlines, Tintagel is an awe-inspiring and romantic spot.
Opening:
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1-31 Oct 10am-5pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed
|
|
