Photo source: Darren Shilson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Henry VIII ordered Pendennis Castle built between 1540 and 1542 to guard the mouth of the River Fal against French and Spanish attack.
The circular keep near Falmouth, Cornwall, still stands at the centre of later stone ramparts added to cope with growing threats.
Unlike many Tudor forts, this one stayed in continuous military use for four centuries, right through to the Second World War.
English Heritage now manages the site and opens it to visitors.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
During the English Civil War the castle held out for Charles I longer than almost any other Royalist stronghold in England, surrendering to Parliamentary forces after a prolonged siege in 1646. Charles II had it repaired following his restoration in 1660. Further upgrades followed in the 1730s and 1790s amid recurring invasion scares. The castle remained an active military site through the Second World War, seeing action against Luftwaffe aircraft before decommissioning in 1956.
Architecture
The original round keep and gun platform of 1540 to 1542 were built as part of Henry VIII's Device Forts programme and later enclosed within extensive stone ramparts and bastions.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Falmouth Docks Rail Station (0.5 miles)
Nearby properties
St Mawes Castle
View St Mawes Castle on heritage mapSt Anthony Head
View St Anthony Head on heritage mapTrelissick Garden
View Trelissick Garden on heritage mapTrelowarren
View Trelowarren on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Pendennis Castle (TR11) there are 5 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Pendennis Castle (TR11) there are 7 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings and 2 historic houses, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Pendennis Castle (TR11) there are 19 historic properties, including 11 historic buildings and 4 historic houses, across National Trust, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Facts
A Tudor fort that stayed on active military duty from Henry VIII to the Second World War.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Cornwall, England
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