Pendennis Castle

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.296

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionPendennis Castle is a castle in Cornwall, United Kingdom, built between 1540 and 1545 for King Henry VIII to guard the entrance to the River Fal on its west bank, near Falmouth. St Mawes Castle is its opposite number on the east bank. The castle comprises a simple round tower and gate enclosed by a lower curtain wall.

Constructed between 1540 and 1545, Pendennis and its sister St Mawes Castle form the Cornish end of the chain of coastal castles built by Henry VIII to counter a threat from France and Spain. Thereafter Pendennis was frequently adapted to face new enemies over 400 years, right through until World War II.

In 1598, during Elizabeth I's reign, a new type of defensive wall was added around the original fort. The castle was strengthened again prior to the Civil War and played host to the future Charles II in 1646, before he sailed to the Isles of Scilly. It then withstood five months of siege, before becoming the penultimate Royalist garrison on the British mainland to surrender.

Pendennis continued to play a vital role in Cornwall's defences throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and saw significant action during World War II. Evidence of its fascinating history is on show throughout the site; the Noonday Gun is fired every day during July and August, and the Guardhouse has been returned to its World War I appearance. You can also visit the underground magazines and tunnels, including the World War II Half Moon Battery, as well as the original 16th-century keep with its recreated Tudor gun deck.

Position

Photographs

The following copyright notice for IMAGE 1 is on record:
Public Domain Image

The Address, , Pendennis Head, TR11 4LP

Phone01326 316594

DateAug 12, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Cornwall
England > Cornwall > Attractions in Falmouth

Local Information

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