Launceston Castle

The castle is situated on an abruptly rising natural mound that dominates the town.

The early Norman earthworks were not replaced with stone until the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, a younger brother of Henry III. Around the crown of the hill a shell keep was built and within its walls a tower was constructed one storey higher. The space between the two was roofed over to provide a high platform from which to bombard the enemy. Beyond this a bailey extended and the only entrance to the mound was up a steep flight of stone stairs.

The working life of the castle was short lived and by the end of the 13th century the earls of Cornwall abandoned the stronghold and the castle fell into disrepair.

By the time of the Commonwealth it was in such poor repair that unlike most other castles is was not dismantled. However, it was still used as a prison and in 1656 George Fox, the founder of the Quakers was confined there for eight months.

Today all that remains is the ruin of the stone keep and a public garden occupies the former bailey.