Historic Walks

A Norman castle stands proudly above the town of Launceston. It was built by the first Norman Earl of Cornwall.

Former Mayor's Parlour in the museum

The town itself is the ancient capital of Cornwall. It was the only walled town in the county.

Lawrence House is one of the many places of interest in the town. It has on display an astonishing variety of historical artefacts and is recognised as one of the finest museums in the South West.

It's here where we begin our walk around Launceston, with local history enthusiast Jim Edwards, showing our reporter Matt Shepherd around...

During the walk several pictures were taken, click on the link below to see the gallery.

The museum and Eagle House Hotel are in Castle Street, a road John Betjemen described as 'having the most perfect collection of 18th Century townhouses in Cornwall'.

The Southgate entrance to the town

The Northgate and Prison where the Quaker George Fox was imprisoned, Southgate arch which now incorporates an Art Gallery, the Town Hall with its fine clock and quarterjacks to chime hours and quarters and of course the Town Square, are all featured in the newly updated Town Trail.

This is available in leaflet form from Launceston Town Council offices, the Tourist Information Centre, and Lawrence House.

Launceston Priory was at one time the wealthiest in Cornwall and after its consecration it was dedicated to St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr and the Monks who were placed in the Priory professed to the rule of St. Augustine.

Rare original tiles from the Priory

By the 14th Century the Priory had become a stately monastic building and by the 16th Century had achieved its peak in both influence and wealth but following the dissolution of the Monastries it was razed to the ground and never re-erected.

Tiles from the Priory have been discovered in recent years. These can be seen in the town's museum based at Lawrence House.

Find out more about the town of Launceston on the links below: