ST. MAWES CASTLE

Cornwall

Together with Pendennis, on the other side of the Fal estuary, St. Mawes makes a splendid tribute to the south coast fortification of Henry VIII, only rivalled by the Deal and Walmer combination in Kent.

The Castles were built to command entrance to the Carrick Roads, a network of winding river mouths which are navigable as far inland as Truro.  Pendennis was built first, and of a simpler design (although later enlarged), St. Mawes follows the "Tudor Rose" style closely.  Like all of Henry's Castles they were built in the early 1540s.

The governors of the two Castles were always great rivals, until Pendennis was enlarged in Elizabethan times when St. Mawes slowly became the subsidiary.  However, this proved to be an advantage during the Civil War.  The governor of St. Mawes, which is terribly vulnerable from land attack, surrendered immediately - whilst Pendennis held out for longer than any other Tudor Castle.  Pendennis was subsequently 'knocked about a bit' by Cromwell's men, whilst St. Mawes was left alone.

Because of this St. Mawes is preserved in a better state of originality than Pendennis - but visit them both in one day for the ultimate Tudor experience!

Both Castles are owned by English Heritage and open all year.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2001