Launceston Castle — Attraction in Great Britain

Launceston Castle is located in the town of Launceston, Cornwall, England. It was probably built by Robert the Count of Mortain after 1068, and initially comprised an earthwork and timber castle with a large motte in one corner. Launceston Castle formed the administrative centre of the new earldom of Cornwall, with a large community packed within the walls of its bailey. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and then substantially redeveloped by Richard of Cornwall after 1227, including a high tower to enable visitors to view his surrounding lands. When Richard's son, Edmund, inherited the castle, he moved the earldom's administration to Lostwithiel, triggering the castle's decline. By 1337, the castle was increasingly ruinous and used primarily as a gaol and to host judicial assizes.

The castle was captured by the rebels during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, and was garrisoned by the Royalists during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Towards the end of the civil war it was stripped for its building materials and rendered largely uninhabitable. A small gaol was erected in the centre of the bailey, which was also used for executions. The castle eventually became the county gaol for Cornwall, but was heavily criticised for its poor facilities and treatment of inmates. By 1842, the remaining prisoners had been moved to Bodmin Gaol and the site was closed, the castle being landscaped to form a park by the Duke of Northumberland. During the Second World War, the site was used to host United States Army soldiers and, later, by the Air Ministry for offices. The ministry left the castle in 1956 and the site was reopened to visitors.

In the 21st century, Launceston is owned by the duchy of Cornwall and operated by English Heritage as a tourist attraction. Much of the castle defences remain, including the motte, keep and high tower which overlook the castle's former deer park to the south. The gatehouses and some of the curtain wall have survived, and archaeologists have uncovered the foundations of various buildings in the bailey, including...

"LAUNCESTON CASTLE"..

Being at the highest point in the area, this substantial fortification, with slate like walls eight to ten feet thick, offers panoramic views over the surrounding landscapes..

This landmark structure has weathered well, comparable to the Norman Castles, Churches of Sussex, Kent, U.K..

Gentry living here would have wanted for nothing, almost like present time Billionaires of the World..

Winding windy narrow streets below that also offer historic architecture from the 'old world times'..

No street lights though, with flaming torches held high by the Knights Escort for Fair Maidens Safety.

Fair Maidens would swoon over the Knights, provoking jealousy + hatred from those cast aside.

Dark Secrets of this Landmark Castle can be found by interested researches at Launceston Library..

"LAUNCESTON CASTLE'..

From the top of the "Castle" to the lowest point of this large hand made structure is about 300 ft, securing the 'Earls' from the 'Pheasants', with the punishment of wrong doing, death by public execution in the 'town square'..

Such executions were considered a spectacle by the attending audience, no doubt attending by order rather than free choice..

Depending on your crime, the worst public execution would be hanging, drawn + quartered, fed to the dogs..

One can imagine hearing the screams of those being tortured, echoing through the streets at night..

"ST CUTHBERT", for supporting certain religious beliefs, the founder of 'THE QUAKERS GEORGE FOX' suffered imprisonment here..

"LAUNCESTON CASTLE"..

"THE CASTLE OF EARLS"..

"PHEASANTS BEWARE"..

"PEASANTS INCLUDED"..

"ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH" is symbolic of the old religious centurions with stone, wood carvings to evoke any artistic passion that one has, history education a time capsule...

Access. Getting to the castle by car is not difficult and the local pay and display car park, which takes coins only is split over a few floors and there are plenty of spaces, worth putting over an hour on the clock. There are toilets in the car park and are prison like, but clean as there are no toilets on the castle site.

A wheelchair user will require a lot of assistance for the castle and won't be able to go up to the castle.

The shop is nice and small, stocked with English Heritage goods. The ice cream selection is nice.

The castle is very easy to navigate. However the stairs up what was once the covered stairwell get gradually steeper. The round building affords you an interesting insight into its history. You can walk inside, and atop of the structure quite easily and enjoy the views.

There are a few signs around the site explaining interesting facts about the building, it's structure and history.

You can easily spend and hour at this location if you are in no rush and want to take pictures.

The steps are easy to navigate, the place is safe for children to walk around, however the grounds are nice to lounge in if you want to spend some...