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The Old Post Office Tintagel |
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Palmers Lodge is situated on the edge of the village of Egloskerry 5 miles West of Launceston on a quiet country road. Launceston is known as "The Gateway" to Cornwall as it was, during the middle ages, one of the principle coaching stations on the journey from London to Penzance. Much of Launceston's prosperity is due to its excellent geographical location, something the Normans realised way back in 1068AD when they constructed the famous castle set high above the town, now a symbol of Launceston's important past. Today Launceston is a small busy market town with a number of well preserved red-brick Georgian houses. |
 Southgate Arch - Launceston |
The picture to the left is of Southgate Arch. This used to be the principle access route through the town. Southgate Arch is the only remaining gateway of the original three to the old walled town. The two rooms above date from the reign of Edward VI, and had a battlement parapet added in 1887. The track of the original portcullis can be still be made out. Around the arch are slate hung cottages which must look very much as they were in the 18th century. This arch provides access for pedestrians to the street in which Philip Gidley King was born in 1758. Now occupied by a retail furniture store |
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During the Civil War in the 1640s, Launceston was loyal King Charles I, and this is reflected in its coat of arms. King Charles II's son, the Prince of Wales, stayed in Launceston while travelling to meet up with the Royalist army further south in Cornwall. In 1643 the Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell attempted to capture Launceston from the Royalists. |
 Norman Castle - Launceston |
Launceston (pronounced "Lanson" locally) was the county town of Cornwall from early times until 1838, when the right of assize passed to Bodmin. Strategically positioned to guard the main route into Cornwall, the Normans built a castle here. It was also the only town in Cornwall to have a town wall. The town walls survive in many places, and the castle is still there but in ruins. Executions were carried out here until 1821. During the reign of Henry III, a Royal Mint for coining money was established in Launceston. |
| The Norman Castle which dominates the town is of motte-and-bailey design, and was built by Robert de Mortain, half-brother of William (The Conqueror) I, in 1087 to control and garrison the surrounding area. St Cuthbert Mayne, a priest, was hung drawn and quartered on the castle walls in 1574. |
 View to North from Castle |
Philip Gidley-King, who in 1800 he became the Governor of New South Wales, was born in number 5, Southgate Street. He was the son of a Launceston draper, was born at No. 5 in 1758. This connection was the reason that Launceston on the Tasmanian River Tamar came to be so named. |
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Around the Town Square are 16th century buildings put up by Thomas Hicks, Mayor of the town. These houses have slate hangings, panel studded doors, and the double hung sash windows with granite jambs which are believed to have been salvaged from St Thomas Priory. The War Memorial in the centre of the square was erected on the site of the old Town Butter Market. |
 View of Launceston Square |
Outside Launceston there is the
Launceston Steam Railway which runs along the beautiful
Kensey Valley. The Northgate of the Castle houses the Prison was where the Quaker George Fox was imprisoned. And just north at North Petherwin, the Tamar Otter Park will teach you all you need to know about otters. |
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St Mary Magdalene Church , built between 1511 and 1524, by Sir Henry Trecarrell as a memorial to his infant son who died whilst being bathed. Carvings in memory of his wife were latter added. These fine ornate carvings have withstood the test of time. The tower of the church dates from the 14th century, an earlier church and graveyard had previously occupied the site. |
Parish Church of St. Thomas is to be found north of the
Town, close to the ruins of Launceston Priory. It is beside
the River Kensey with its ancient Clapper Bridge. It was in this area of Launceston that Charles Causley was born and lived his early years. There is a memorial plaque on the river-bank at Riverside and he is buried in the Churchyard at St Thomas Church |
The poet Charles Causley was born and lived in the town. He was among the most important British poets of his generation and died in 2003, aged 86. |