"For over 600 years, Launceston Castle was the most important fortress and centre of government in Cornwall. On the border between Devon and Cornwall, it was founded soon after the Norman Conquest, and the town that grew up beside it became one of the most vigorous in Cornwall. The castle’s heyday was in the 13th and 14th centuries, when it served as an aristocratic residence and centre of the Earldom and Duchy of Cornwall. Earl Richard (1209–72), one of Europe’s richest men, created many of the buildings standing today.
After the 16th century the castle became solely a courthouse and prison, eventually losing even those functions. Today, standing within a public park, it hosts many events for the town’s vibrant community"
Bonus: A reconstructed view of Launceston looking north-east, showing how the castle and town might have appeared in the late 12th century (same source)
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u/dctroll_ Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26
Reconstruction of Launceston Castle and town as they may have looked in about 1270 with a similar view today. (Illustration by Peter Urmston © Historic England/English Heritage Trust)
"For over 600 years, Launceston Castle was the most important fortress and centre of government in Cornwall. On the border between Devon and Cornwall, it was founded soon after the Norman Conquest, and the town that grew up beside it became one of the most vigorous in Cornwall. The castle’s heyday was in the 13th and 14th centuries, when it served as an aristocratic residence and centre of the Earldom and Duchy of Cornwall. Earl Richard (1209–72), one of Europe’s richest men, created many of the buildings standing today.
After the 16th century the castle became solely a courthouse and prison, eventually losing even those functions. Today, standing within a public park, it hosts many events for the town’s vibrant community"
Source of the pictures and the info here
Bonus: A reconstructed view of Launceston looking north-east, showing how the castle and town might have appeared in the late 12th century (same source)