St Mawes Castle, Cornwall

21st July 2013


1540s - built by Thomas Treffry for Henry VIII to protect the Carrick Roads. 
1646 - Civil War - St Mawes is surrendered by Royalists to Parliamentarians Early 1700s - castle was mainly being used as a barracks and gunpowder store 
1854 - a Grand Sea Battery and Magazine is built, separate ti the castle along the shoreline 
1903  - the castle's gun are withdrawn as a result of no longer being powerful enough 

This castle is another favourite of ours. It’s very dinky – very much like a miniature version of Pendennis. The castle is five levels and you enter on the second floor of the gun tower. Look out for the Latin inscriptions above several doorways - tributes to Henry VIII.  The views across the Carrick Roads are gorgeous. The road towards the castle, through St Mawes, is narrow so be warned during the busy summer months!

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car park for the castle
Shop, toilets
A joint guidebook for St Mawes and Pendennis, audio tour
Dogs allowed

N & K

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