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St Mawes Castle
St Mawes Castle was built on the orders of Henry VIII between 1540-43 as part of the massive national coastal defence programme which had become necessary due to the fear of attack from European powers - particularly Spain - after Henry's break with Rome. The cloverleaf shape of the castle from seaward and its massively thick walls provided protection from cannonballs fired against it, while with its sister castle on the other side of Carrick Roads (the inlet that leads to the River Fal) it could crossfire at any attacking ships attempting to enter the anchorage.
It is built on four levels and is perhaps the best surviving example of a Henrician artillery fort.
It is owned and administered by English Heritage and is open to the public: Link
Not surprisingly it is EH Grade I listed: Link
and is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument: Link
It is built on four levels and is perhaps the best surviving example of a Henrician artillery fort.
It is owned and administered by English Heritage and is open to the public: Link
Not surprisingly it is EH Grade I listed: Link
and is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument: Link
by Rob Farrow
Created: Mon, 28 Jul 2025, Updated: Mon, 28 Jul 2025
10 images use this description: (all images taken in 2025)
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