Pendennis Castle, Cornwall

Pendennis Castle was built in 1539 for King Henry VIII to guard the entrance to the River Fal on its west bank, near Falmouth against the French and Spanish threats of future attack.The castle comprises a simple round tower and gate enclosed by a lower curtain wall. St Mawes Castle is its opposite number on the east bank.

Henry VIII had changed the religion of England to Church of England so he could get a divorce, money and more power over his country. The pope had asked the French and Spanish, who both had strong armies, to invade England to perform a restoration on the country's religion. Henry knew that the two countries knew the area so he built Pendennis Castle to defend it.

During the English Civil War Pendennis Castle was the last Royalist position in the West of England, and withstood a five-month siege in 1646 from Parliamentarian forces before surrendering.

Crab Quay lies below Pendennis Castle on the northeast face of the headland. It is the most suitable location for a landing, and a battery was built here in the late 17th or early 18th century, first recorded on a map of 1715. In 1898 the battery was reconstructed to provide two concrete emplacements for a pair of 6-pounder quick-firing guns, which, together with a sister battery at St Mawes, would prevent fast torpedo boats evading the heavier guns on the headland and entering the Carrick Roads. These were removed in 1904. The battery was briefly rearmed around 1942 with two 3-pounder QF guns while the twin 6-pounder battery at Middle Point was being constructed, but were removed by 1943.

There is a tea room, picnic area and gift shop on the site.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

Oepning days and times vary throughout the year. please check the website.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

Adults: £6.30 C
Children (5-15 years) : £3.80
Family Ticket: £16.40
Concessions: £5.70 EH Member: Free

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Visit website for more information

More Information

Telephone: 01326 316594

Visit website for more information