Launceston
OS Grid ref:- SX335845
Launceston is the ancient capital of Cornwall and was founded in the eleventh century when William the Conqueror gave his half brother, Robert, Count of Mortain, the land surrounding a hill site already fortified by his predecessor the Saxon king Edward the Confessor. The town boasts streets of imposing Georgian houses, has a variety of accommodation and an abundance of shops, restaurants and pubs. The name Launceston is a combination from the Cornish language:- Laun meaning cleared space; Sen meaning Saint; and ton, town.
In the Middle Ages Launceston was the only walled town in Cornwall, fragments of the walls still stand in the parklands below the castle and at Southgate, an grand Norman arch which was one of the three original entrances to the town. Launceston has varying types of architecture, from Tudor to modern day.
Launceston Castle
Launceston Castle was founded by Robert of Mortain, half brother of the formidable William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, possibly as early as 1067. Originally, the castle was known as Dunheved and was first constructed as an earthwork castle which .guarded the main route into Cornwall, and became the administrative centre for the Earls of Cornwall. In the late twelfth century a circular stone keep was constructed on top of the motte.
In the thirteenth century, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, a younger brother of King Henry III, rebuilt the castle in stone. The tower, which has two rooms, is built from a darker stone than that used on the rest of the castle. A new great hall was constructed continued in use until the early seventeenth century as an Assize Hall.
Launceston Castle reproduced courtesy of English Heritage
During the reign of Henry VIII, 28 Cornishmen were taken at gunpoint to Launceston Castle (1548), where many were hung, drawn and quartered following the killing of one of Thomas Cranmer's agents, William Body, one of whose tasks, was to desecrate religious shrines at Helston.
The Castle sits astride a mound beside the River Kelsey. The soaring keep leans and the curtain walls are now in ruins. Launceston Castle was used as a stronghold during the Civil War and has also served as a prison.
Launceston Castle is now in the care of English Heritage. The superb views from the keep encompass Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.
Opening times:- Apr - Sept, daily, 10am - 6pm, Oct, 10am - 5pm, Nov - March, Fri - Sun 10am - 4pm.
St. Mary Magdalene's, Launceston's parish church is first mentioned in 1080 and it probably dates back to around the same time as the castle. The second building to occupy the site was constructed in 1380, its tower still remains. This second church was built by Edward, the Black Prince; the eldest son of King Edward III and the first Duke of Cornwall.
The present building, was constructed in 1511 by Sir Henry Trecarrell in memory of his infant heir who was tragically drowned. The building is unique in that it is said to be the only church in England built of carved Cornish granite, almost every available surface on its exterior is adorned with carvings of legendary figures, animals, plants and fruit. Below the ornate east window is a carved figure of Mary Magdalene.
Places to Visit
*Launceston Steam Railway runs for one and a quarter miles along the Kensey Valley and operates from a terminus below the castle. Open:- end of May - mid Oct, Easter and Christmas.
*Lawrence House Museum a handsome period house, containing exhibits relating to the history of the town and neighbouring areas. One of Cornwall's best museums.
*The Tamar Valley Donkey Sanctuary situated just of the A390 near Callington.
*The Tamar Otter Sanctuary The Otter Trust breeds the animals and reintroduces them back into the wild. Visitor centre and nature trail with wildfowl and deer. Situated on the B3254 to Bude.