Restormel Castle

The original castle was probably built of wood in an almost perfect circular shape shortly after the Norman Conquest.

In about 1100 a square projecting gateway was added. In the latter part of the 13th century the timber keep was replaced by stone. The circular stone keep has battlements all around and a complete walk behind them.

The internal buildings were replaced in stone by Edmund, Earl of Cornwall at the end of the 13th century. He built domestic buildings together with barracks for the garrison and a chapel alongside the castle to the east.

In 1337 the castle was given to the Black Prince, 1st Duke of Cornwall who restored the keep and on two occasions kept court there.

Thereafter the castle remained the property of the Princes of Wales.

During the Civil War the castle was briefly besieged and by 1649 a Parliamentary Commission reported that the castle was in a state of ruin.

In the 18th and 19th centuries the castle became ivy-covered and totally hidden in its wooded site.

At the end of 19th century the castle was uncovered and in 1925 it was handed over to the then Ministry of Works.