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Launceston Castle, Cornwall
Conservation Management Plan
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Summary Launceston Castle is situated on a naturally defensible terrace high above the River Kensey. This natural land form gives the Castle its strategic position, with open views from the south east round to the north east, over looking the ancient land crossing from Devon over the River Tamar into Cornwall. The first motte and bailey fortification was constructed by Count Robert of Mortain sometime before the Domesday Survey of 1086. During the 11th Century the Castle and newly founded town became the administrative centre for Cornwall with the Castle being home to the County Court and Goal for the majority of its life. The Castle reached the height of its power and grandeur during the thirteenth century under Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who completely remodelled the Castle. The Castle has belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall since its creation for Edward the Black Prince in 1337. In 1951 the Castle was placed in the care of the State as a Guardianship Site and is now maintained by English Heritage. Heritage Values Surviving on the top of the motte are the Shell Keep of twelfth century date and the inner High Tower dating to the thirteenth century. The survival of a stone Shell Keep is rare in Britain and as such Launceston Castle is of pre-eminent historic and architectural significance on an international level. The fact that the inner High Tower was constructed at a time when motte and bailey castles were falling out of favour makes the continued development of this Castle intriguing. Designations The Castle site as a whole is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and within the boundaries of this monument are a number of listed buildings that include the Shell Keep and High Tower as well as the two surviving gatehouses and their attached sections of curtain wall. Management Objectives and Policies These have been designed to provide a sustainable approach to the management of the site that balances the needs of both the archaeological monument and its role as a visitor attraction. These include: The Management and Condition of the Monument, Combating Incidents of Vandalism and Enhancing Visitor Experience. The detail of the management strategies to address these issues will be outlined in the site management plan.
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Table of Contents
Summary
List of Figures
Abbreviations
Part One: Introduction to the Management Plan ……………………. 4
Aims ……………………………………………………………….… 4
Limitations of the Plan …………………………………………… 4
Structure of the Plan ……………………………………….….… 5
Part Two: Description and Historical Background …………………... 6
Location …………………. ………………………………….……. 6
The Management Plan Area..………………………………..…. 6
Setting of the Castle and Underlying Geology ………………. 7
Current Management and Land Ownership..…………..…..… 8
Statutory Designations ………………………………………...... 9
Part Three: Summary History………………………………………….. 12
Part Four: Significance ………………………………..………………. 19
Criteria for Assessment …………………………….………..… 19
Evidential…………………………………………………………. 19
Historic…………………………………………………………….. 22
Aesthetic………………………………………………………….. 24
Communal………………………………………………………... 25
Part Five: Conservation Management Issues ……………..………. 27
Management and Condition of the Monument ……..……... 27
Vandalism and Security…………….……………………..…... 30
Enhancing Visitor Experience …………………………….….. 32
Site Interpretation and Signage…..………………………….. 36
Consultation………………………………….…………..……… 38
Bibliography.……………………………………………………..……... 40
Appendix A ………………………………………………..……….…… 42
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List of Figures and Plates
Cover Image – Launceston Castle motte.
Figure 1 – Location map of Launceston.
Figure 2 – Boundaries of the Scheduled area.
Figure 3 – Map showing the listed buildings within the boundary of the site.
Figure 4 – Plan of the remains at Launceston Castle.
Figure 5 – Painting of the Castle dating to approximately 1770.
Figure 6 – Reconstruction illustration of the late eleventh century Castle.
Figure 7 – Reconstruction illustration of the mid thirteenth century Castle.
Plate 1 – The motte of Launceston Castle.
Plate 2 – The communal gardens within the Castle, 1935.
Plate 3 – Aerial photograph showing the Second World War Nissan Huts.
Plate 4 – Plaque commemorating St Cuthbert Mayne.
Plate 5 – Plaque commemorating George Fox.
Plate 6 – Plaque detailing the inclination of the high tower.
Plate 7 – Graffiti on the curtain wall.
Plate 8 – CCTV camera within the bailey.
Plate 9 – The intrusive growth on the South gatehouse.
Plate 10 – The intrusive growth up the motte stairs.
Plate 11 – Intrusive growth within a bush relating to the communal garden.
Plate 12 – Current presentation of the Administration Hall.
Plate 13 – The current fence.
Plate 14 – Visitors sitting on part of the curtain wall.
N.B. All plates are copyright of the Author unless otherwise stated.
Abbreviations
HER – Historic Environment Service
NMR – National Monuments Record
DCMS – Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Part One: Introduction to the Management Plan
Launceston Castle lies at the centre of the historic town of Launceston, the ancient
gateway into Cornwall. Launceston Castle has a long and colourful history with the
first fortifications being erected at the site during 1068, after a failed rebellion against
the rule of William the Conqueror (Saunders, 2006). The extant building and
earthwork remains date to the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods and form the
cultural landscape of the site. These elements have a great value and inform the
significance of Launceston Castle.
1.1 Aims of the Plan
The main emphasis of the Management Plan is to provide English Heritage with a
set of management guidelines and objectives that will allow the conservation of the
monument. Conservation as it is used here includes not only ensuring the survival of
the physical remains of the Castle, but also enhancing the interpretation and
presentation of the site.
The aim of the Conservation Management Plan is to:
• Establish authoritatively why the site is significant.
• Identify how the site is vulnerable and how this could affect its significance.
• Inform a sustainable approach to the management of the site that balances the
needs of both the archaeological monument and its role as a visitor attraction.
• Prepare an implementation plan that prioritises the actions that need to be taken
on site to aid conservation and to promote its better understanding and
appropriate presentation (including for instance managing vandalism and
harnessing its energy).
1.2 Limitations of the Plan
The scope of this Plan, as stated above, is to provide English Heritage with
management objectives to conserve Launceston Castle. As part of understanding
the site a description of the main periods of its history has been included. Further
references on the history of the site can be found in the bibliography.
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1.3 Structure of the Plan
The structure of the Plan follows closely the model suggested in guidance notes
produced by the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage’s Conservation
Principles and comprises:
• A description of the site, its archaeological and historical background and its
character, a statement of significance and the current ownership.
• The identification of the key management issues facing the site.
• The suggested objectives that could be used to address the management
issues.
• An implementation programme suggesting how the objectives can be put into
practice.
The significance of Launceston Castle is outlined using the criteria set out in English
Heritage’s Conservation Principles (2008). This will involve looking at the Evidential,
Historical, Aesthetic and Communal values of the site, all of which influence the
significance of the site.
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Part Two: Character of the Management Plan Study Area
2.1 Location National Grid Reference: SX33118464
Monument Name:
Launceston
Castle
County:
Cornwall
District:
North Cornwall
Parish:
Launceston
HER Number:
2753
Monument Number:
15005
2.2 The Management Plan Area
The area covered by the Conservation Management Plan is enclosed by the
boundary of the scheduled area of the monument. The boundary, see figure 2,
follows the line of St Thomas Road in both its southern and western sections. The
boundary then turns due east following the course of the north curtain wall. The
boundary encompasses the North Gatehouse and then curves around the base of
the motte. At its most northern point the base of the motte runs down to Castle Dyke
with the north eastern and eastern line of the boundary then following the line of the
Dyke southwards. The south eastern section of the boundary follows the line of
Western Road until it meets St Thomas Road. This area includes the area managed
and cared for by English Heritage (see below).
Figure 1: Location of Launceston (© www.magic.gov.uk – Crown Copyright. All rights reserved)
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Figure 2: Map indicating the scheduled area. Source: Digimap - © Crown Copyright/
database right 2007 – Ordnance Survey/ Edina supplied service.
2.3 Setting of the Castle and underlying Geology
Launceston Castle sits on the edge of a natural terrace, high above the River
Kensey. Along the western and northern limits of the site the land falls away steeply,
running down to meet the river. A rocky knoll of higher ground occupies the north
eastern corner of the site, which the Norman builders used to engineer the motte that
both the Shell Keep and High Tower now stand on, see plate 1. This particular land
form is due to the underlying geology of shale which has been raised by formations
of greenstone beneath (Pattison, 1852). To the east of the Castle the medieval town
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of Launceston was constructed, nestling at the foot of Beacon Hill, which rises up to
form the top of the ridge.
Plate 1: Picture showing the motte and keep.
It is this natural land form that afforded the Castle its strategic position. The open
views from the south east round to the north east allowed the Castle to control all of
the lands between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, as well as guard the crossing point
over the River Tamar, two miles east of the Castle. This was the only land crossing
into Cornwall until the construction of the Saltash Bridge (Saunders, 1998).
The Castle still dominates the skyline today and can be clearly seen when
approaching the crossings into Cornwall over the River Tamar from Polson in the
east and Dutson to the north west.
2.4 Current Management and Land Ownership
Today Launceston Castle is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). English Heritage was established
as a result of the National Heritage Act 1983. The main responsibility of the
organisation is to advise the Government on how to manage all aspects of the
historic environment. English Heritage provides advice on how to best preserve all
types of heritage that make up the countries unique historic environment.
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There are over four hundred guardianship sites directly in the care of English
Heritage, who have a responsibility to ensure their preservation.
English Heritage is only one of many other bodies who have a direct interest in the
management of the Castle. Other bodies include:
• DCMS
• Duchy of Cornwall
• Cornwall Council
• Launceston Town Council
• Devon and Cornwall Police
• Local Residents
• Launceston Forum
2.5 Statutory Designations
There are a number of statutory designations in place at Launceston Castle.
Launceston Castle is in the freehold ownership of the Duchy of Cornwall and is in the
care and management of English Heritage. It is a scheduled ancient Monument. A
Schedule for Ancient Monuments was created in 1882. The DCMS is responsible for
identifying nationally important monuments and including them on the Schedule.
Launceston Castle was included on the Schedule of Ancient Monuments in 1951. Its
status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument has been reaffirmed twice since that date,
in 1981 and again in 1992 (Cornwall and Scilly HER). As such it is afforded statutory
protection under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and so
any works that would affect the site require Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC).
English Heritage enjoys a class consent for works it undertakes on the sites in its
care, SMC class Consent 6 (smcc6). The whole site itself is designated as a
scheduled monument but within the grounds there are two structures that no longer
survive above ground but which are scheduled in their own right. The first is the
remains of the County Goal, which stood at the base of the eastern rampart and the
other is what was known as Witches Tower. This stood in the south eastern angle of
the Curtain walls but collapsed in the nineteenth century when St Thomas’ Road was
constructed (English Heritage, NMR).
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There are a number of listed buildings at the site, see figure 3, which have been
listed by the DCMS due to their special architectural or historical importance. Listed
buildings are classified into Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II based on their significance
and are given statutory protection and are dealt with by the Local Authority. As these
structures are within the bounds of the scheduled area the scheduling takes
precedence over listed building protection. The Grade I listed buildings are the Shell
Keep, High Tower, Guard Tower and retaining wall, the North Gatehouse and
attached buildings, the South Gatehouse and attached buildings, the well and the
remnants of the Curtain wall. The Grade II listed structures are the perimeter walls
and the water pump that stands at the base of the eastern rampart (English Heritage,
NMR).
Figure 3 : Map showing the listed structures within the boundary of the site. Image courtesy
of English Heritage.
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The Castle also lies within a Conservation Area that covers the whole of Launceston.
Areas designated as Conservation Areas are judged to have a special character that
is due to a number of factors and are not based solely on the historical value of a
place. Within the Conservation Area of Launceston all features contribute to this and
so all are protected.
A public right of way crosses the centre of the site, running through both the South
and North gates.
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Part Three: Summary History of Launceston Castle
Launceston Castle has a long history that has been well documented since the
construction of the first phase of fortifications at the site. The ownership of the Castle
has for most of its life been linked to the Crown, often being in the hands of the heir
to the thrown. Archaeological excavations carried out at the site between 1961 and
1982 by Andrew Saunders have provided more depth to this picture, showing how
the Castle developed during its history. The periods used in the discussion below are
taken from Saunders’ excavation report and denote the main phases of activity in the
Castle’s history.
Introduction
Pre- castle
Indications of previous cultivation and a small number of post holes were discovered
in the south west corner of the bailey and close to the South Gatehouse. No dating
of these features was undertaken, although from the finds it is likely that this phase
of activity stretches back no further than the early medieval period, the sixth to tenth
centuries AD (Saunders, 2006). The Historic Environment Record for the Castle
does indicate that Prehistoric features were discovered during the course of
excavation (Cornwall and Scilly HER) yet there is no mention of this in the
excavation report. The earliest material find was a Roman coin of the Emperor
Gallienus, AD 260-268, and a small number of tile fragments and a glass fragment
that date to the Anglo-Saxon period (Saunders, 2006). Both the Cornwall and Scilly
HER and the National Monuments Record show that there are a number of
prehistoric settlement sites; termed rounds, in the area of the Castle, the closest
being two rounds approximately one mile north west. This type of settlement site
generally dates to the Romano-British period but a number have been dated to the
late Iron Age (Todd, 1987). Further to the north west is a fragmented field system,
although it has no confirmed date it is likely to belong to the Iron Age (Cornwall and
Scilly HER). The density of Iron Age settlement in the immediate landscape suggests
that it is possible that the site of the Castle was utilised during the Iron Age, although
no traces were picked up during the excavations.
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Phase 1: 1068-1075
In December 1067 a rebellion broke out in Devon and Cornwall. It was William the
Conqueror himself who led the army to Exeter and laid siege to the town in an effort
to quell the uprising. The siege lasted only eighteen days before the surrender was
given. In the spring of 1068 his army marched into Cornwall to put a final end to the
last vestiges of the rebellion. Count Brian of Brittany was handed control of both
counties and shortly afterwards established the first fortifications at the site of
Launceston Castle. Excavations revealed that during this period the site was
occupied by a number of sunken floored buildings (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 2: 1075 - 1104
In 1075 Brian took part in a rebellion against the King, which ultimately failed and his
lands passed to Robert, Count of Mortain, William’s half brother. Robert controlled
most of the Cornish lands holding 227 of the 360 manors in the county (Saunders,
2006). It is Robert who built the first Castle on the site. The Domesday Book records
the Castle of Count Robert at Dunheved, as Launceston was then known, a newly
founded town constructed in an outer bailey, east of the Castle. There is also an
entrance for St Stephen’s Church, on the opposite side of the Kensey Valley to
Launceston, showing Robert removed the market, worth 20 shillings, from the
Church to the Castle (C and F Thorn, 1979). These references suggest that the
Castle had become the administration centre for Robert’s lands in Cornwall. On the
death of Robert his lands were passed over to his son William.
The archaeological evidence shows that during this period the bailey rampart was
heightened and remodelled as well as being extended along to northern edge of the
bailey. An early form of the motte was also brought into existence (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 3: 1104 - 1175
In 1106 William, Count of Mortain and cousin to King Henry I, was dispossessed of
his lands and imprisoned for life after a failed rebellion against Henry. In 1141, during
the Anarchy, the Earldom of Cornwall was granted by Matilda to Reginald de
Dunstanville. The motte was heightened and the stone Shell Keep was erected. The
terrace in the side of the motte was created, the bailey ramparts were heightened
and a large number of permanent stone buildings were constructed within the bailey.
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The last major structure built during this period was the first phase of the South
Gatehouse. After the accession of Henry II the Earldom remained with Reginald,
who held the title until his death in 1175 Saunders, 2006).
Phase 4: 1175 - 1227
The Earldom passed back to the Crown until 1189 when John, Count of Mortain was
granted it. With John’s accession to the throne the Earldom again reverted back to
the Crown. During the reign of John, both as Earl and King, the Castle was well kept
with references to money spent on its upkeep in the Pipe Rolls. The bailey ramparts
were again heightened and remodelled and the buildings within the bailey were
rebuilt with the addition of two towers, one in the south west corner and another
along the line of the northern defences. The Pipe Rolls indicate that one of the new
buildings was a gaol, which was erected in 1187 (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 5: 1227-1272
In 1227 Richard, younger brother to King Henry III was granted the Earldom, by
which time Launceston Castle was home to both the Court of the Royal Justices and
the County Gaol. During his time as Earl, Richard undertook a major programme of
building at Launceston Castle. This began with re-facing of the Shell Keep and a
remodelling of its gatehouse as well as the construction of a chemise around the top
of the motte. A Guard Tower was added at the foot of the motte terrace to guard the
bridge, and the staircase up to the keep was enclosed. A revetment of the terrace
was constructed and joined to the new Guard Tower. The ramparts were heightened
further and a stone curtain wall was constructed on top in a continuous circuit. Along
the eastern rampart mural towers were added and a secondary ditch dug at the foot
of the motte. The South Gatehouse was completely remodelled and enlarged with
the twin drum towers being added. Within the bailey the buildings were altered. A
new Great Hall was constructed as was a new Lesser Hall. A kitchen block was
constructed as was the garderobe to the east of the South Gatehouse. Saunders
also believes that the High Tower that was inserted into the Shell Keep during this
period (2006).
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Phase 6: 1272 – 1337
Richard died in 1272 and the Earldom passed to his son Edmund. During this period
Edmund moved the centre of administration for the Earldom to Restormel Castle,
although the county court had already been moved from Launceston Castle to
Bodmin by his father. The building of the North Gatehouse falls into this period, most
likely on the orders of Edmund. After his death in 1300 the Earldom again reverted
back to the Crown (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 7: The fourteenth century
In 1337 the Duchy of Cornwall was created by King Edward III and granted to his
son Edward, The Black Prince. In the intervening years the Earldom had been
granted to a number of people including the wife of Edward II. On creation of the
Duchy, a survey was undertaken of its lands, the Caption of Seisin. The survey
records the condition of Launceston Castle at that point. The survey makes it clear
that the Castle was in a ruinous state. Repair work was undertaken at the Castle on
numerous occasions throughout the time of the Black Prince. After Edward died in
1376 the Duchy was given to Richard of Bordeaux. When Richard became King the
Duchy reverted to the Crown until his death in 1399, when it was granted to Henry of
Monmouth (Saunders, 2006). Richard had kept in his employ a master carpenter,
tiler and plumber who were tasked with keeping the Cornish Castles in repair and so
it is likely that periodic work was conducted at Launceston (Brown, et al., 1963).
During this period the two storey Council Chamber was added to the Great Hall
(Saunders, 2006).
Phase 8: The fifteenth century
Henry of Monmouth retained the Duchy when he became King in 1413. In 1421
Henry of Windsor, King Henry VI, became Duke of Cornwall, he too held the Duchy
throughout his reign as King. Edward Plantagenet, later Edward IV, became Duke in
1471. During this century no major changes appear to have taken place within the
Castle (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 9: 1500 – 1650
Repairs to the Castle appear to have slowed during this period in its history, most
likely due to the fact that for the majority of this period the Duchy was in possession
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of the Crown (Brown, et al., 1963). The buildings within the bailey began to decline
with the only real use being for the Assize Court. The Borough Charter in 1555
reinstated Launceston as the administrative centre for the Duchy, stating that all
sessions of the court in the county of Cornwall had to be held within the Castle.
However, by 1610 even the Great Hall, where the court was held, had ceased to be
used (Saunders, 2006). In 1603 Henry, Duke of Rothesay, eldest son of James I,
had been granted the Duchy, yet he had decided that the degradation of the Castle
was irreparable (Brown, et al., 1963).
Improvements were made to the Castle during the Civil War, when the town was
used as a Royalist base. The only defensive structures repaired during the War were
the High Tower and Shell Keep, most likely to restore the fighting platform for
housing of cannon. No repairs were undertaken on the curtain wall as the main use
of the site was as a Prison and too much repair work would have been required to
make them defensible. After the final defeat of the Royalists, the Royal estates were
sold off, which included the Duchy. Parliamentary Commissioners visited Launceston
Castle in 1650 and recorded that the North Gatehouse was still in use, the lower
chamber was used a prison named the ‘Doomsdale’, while the upper chamber was
lived in by the Constable. By this time the only structure surviving within the bailey
was the Mural Tower in the south west corner (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 10: 1650 -1840
From the beginning of this phase until the Restoration of the Monarchy, Launceston
Castle was owned by Colonel Robert Bennett. During this time the Doomsdale
continued in use and in 1656 George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned
for 30 weeks. After the Restoration the Duchy of Cornwall was reformed and held by
King Charles II. The only functioning role of the Castle for this phase of activity was
as the site of the County Goal. The bailey was divided in two with a hedge or wall
running from the east side of the North Gatehouse to the west side of the South
Gatehouse. The area to the east of this was the gaol. Vegetable plots were created
on the motte along with small shacks. The area to the west became a communal
area for the people of Launceston.
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In 1764 the Eagle House was constructed just outside the North gate, with much of
the stone used in the construction coming from the North Gatehouse itself. Further
alterations took place in 1832 when what is now St Thomas Road was constructed
which meant the ditch along the southern and western sides of the rampart was filled
in. The end of this period saw the demolition of the gaol which was moved down to
Bodmin (Saunders, 2006).
Phase 11: 1840 – 1939
In 1840 Queen Victoria received a letter from the Queen of Portugal, who had
passed through Launceston and was shocked by the dilapidated state of the Castle.
Queen Victoria brought this to the attention Duke of Northumberland who owned the
large estate of Werrington, which lay just outside the town of Launceston. The Duke
laid out a park garden within the bailey, which involved the landscaping of the site
and intensive planting, see plate 2. The Custodians Lodge was constructed in these
works to be used as accommodation for the Park Keeper. It was noted in the report
of a Duchy Surveyor in 1841 that the Castle
Green was being used as public promenade.
In July 1844, after a year of negotiation the
Duke was granted the lease of the Castle by
the Duchy of Cornwall. Records show that the
lease was later taken up by the Launceston
Corporation who over the course of their lease
conducted many programmes of repair
(Saunders, 2006).
Plate 2: Picture of the garden as it was in 1935
(Dunning, 2001).
Phase 12: 1939 to present
During the Second World War the Castle bailey was used as a hospital for the
American Army who constructed a number of Nissan huts on the site, see plate 3.
These were left in place after the war and were still in situ in 1951 when the Castle
was passed into the care of the State and was put in the care of the Ministry of
Works. During this period many repairs have taken place, to all structures within the
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scheduled area. From the 1950s right through until the 1970s monthly reports were
made on the condition and numerous consolidation works were undertaken with the
Keep and Tower having sections consolidated almost yearly. A major consolidation
programme took place in the early 1960s with a concrete ring beam being inserted
into the top of the motte (English Heritage Files AM70102/01 and AM70102/04). The
ring beam was inserted to halt the subsidence of the motte, a process that had
begun due to the terracing of the motte in the nineteenth century. In 1959 heavy rain
made the stability of the motte worsen, which led to the decision to insert the ring
beam. The present use of the site is as an historic tourist attraction, although the
bailey is still open and is used as a communal space by the town people.
Plate 3 : Aerial photograph showing the Nissan huts from the Second World War. © English
Heritage. NMR. Reference Number: HAW 9401/20.
Please see Appendix A for reconstruction illustrations.
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Part Four: Significance
An assessment of key characteristics that make Launceston Castle significant, for
which it was scheduled, is essential to inform management objectives for the site.
3.1 Criteria for Assessment
The way in which significance is assessed here is in line with English Heritage’s
Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidelines, which was published in 2008. The
document sets out heritage values, which are grouped under the four headings of
Evidential, Historic, Aesthetic and Communal. The values discussed under these
heading will demonstrate the significance of Launceston Castle as well as providing
an understanding of the relative importance, national, regional or local, of each.
Assessment in this way provides a more detailed picture than the use of statutory
protection criteria. Assessing heritage values will illustrate how best to retain the
significance of Launceston Castle.
3.2 Evidential
The evidential value of Launceston Castle lies within the buildings that were
constructed on the site, their survival and the information that can be gleaned from
them relating to the development of Castles within medieval Britain.
Launceston Castle is an exceptionally well preserved example of a motte and bailey
castle. The main component of the Castle is the Shell Keep and its inner High
Tower, which sit on top of the motte that, at its highest, reaches up to 17.1 metres
(Saunders, 2006). Both of these structures still stand nearly in their entirety, with
sections of the wall walk still being in place on the Shell Keep and details such as the
fire place and window still being evident within the High Tower. The preservation of
the stone Shell Keep makes the Castle nationally important. Out of approximately
600 castles constructed by the Normans of motte, or motte and bailey type only 71
are recorded as having Shell Keeps (English Heritage File AA070102/1). The small
number of preserved Shell Keeps makes them rare monuments, which gives them
an enhanced value in the study of medieval defences.
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To further complement this there are a number of other components of the medieval
Castle that still survive to some extent within the bounds of the site. The majority of
these structures relate to the defence of the Castle. The excavations that took place
at Launceston Castle and the surviving documentation have allowed a clear phasing
of the fortification structures to be developed, see figure 4. The ability to be able to
clearly phase these structures adds to the academic potential for the study of
medieval fortifications. Many of these structures, detailed below, were constructed
during the thirteenth century when the Castle was remodelled by Earl Richard. This
enhancement increases the significance of the Castle as at this time motte and
bailey castles had begun to fall out of use. The Normans had realised that a motte
and bailey with a Keep was not the most effective type of military strategy (English
Heritage, NMR). Even if the new suite of defensive structures were no longer in line
with advanced castle planning it did mean that Launceston was exceptionally well
defended. This remodelling of Launceston Castle was likely undertaken by Richard
to demonstrate his power and wealth. As with the construction of Tintagel Castle he
may have been trying to tie himself to the Arthurian legend to strengthen his position
both in Cornwall and in Europe.
At the foot of the motte are the remains of a Guard Tower that still stands close to its
original height. Attached to the tower and running west is the remains of a retaining
wall, which encloses a terrace within the side of the motte. The terrace contains the
remains of a well. The stairs that lead up from the tower to the Shell Keep were
originally enclosed and parts of these walls remain along the line of the stairs. The
surviving walls flank both sides of the stairs, although more survives of the wall on
the western side. A substantial amount of the South Gatehouse survives along with
its barbican as well as the attached curtain walls, which survive best to the west of
the gatehouse. The South Gatehouse is today the main entrance on to the site and
still stands to an impressive height, with one of the original two storeys still standing
above the gate arch. The portcullis slot is still evident as is the remains of a stairway
into the chamber above the arch. Of the fortified barbican only the two flanking walls
remain, although the floor level is still evident as a row of beam slots. The North
Gatehouse only remains to a height just above the apex of the gate. Attached to the
west side of the gatehouse is a chamber that only survives to the height of one
storey above ground level. The western half of the chamber extends below ground
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level for approximately two metres, forming a subterranean chamber (English
Heritage, NMR). Lastly the remains of the base of a mural tower survive in the south
west corner of the bailey. The interior has been excavated to reveal the surviving
walls that stand to approximately half a metre.
Figure 4: Illustration depicting the surviving structures that relate to the medieval castle. The
structures are coloured to show the phases of development that took place. (© English
Heritage)
There are a number of remains within the grounds that relate to the running of the
Castle as well as its later history. The survival of these structures does add to the
evidential value of the Castle and scheduled as part of a monument of national
significance. Inside the Castle bailey the outer walls of four stone buildings are
evident. To the east of the South Gatehouse stand the remains of two rooms, one of
22
which is a stone lined pit approximately one and a half metres deep, thought to be a
garderobe pit (Saunders, 2006). The walls of the second room stand at their highest
to approximately one and a half metres. West of the South Gatehouse is the remains
of a complex of four buildings; the first is the Administrative Hall whose walls extend
less than half a metre above ground level. To the west are the remains of the kitchen
which include the remains of two ovens housed in the south wall. It is here where the
remains are best preserved, standing nearly two metres high. North of this and
connected by a low wall are the footprints of the Great Hall and attached Council
Chamber.
At the base of the eastern rampart stands a water pump, which was constructed next
to the site of the Gaol in 1739 (English Heritage, NMR). The pump bears the
inscription ‘IH’ and is composed of lead pipes in a wooden housing with a granite
trough. The boundary of the Castle site is marked by a retaining wall built in the
1840s for the Duke of Northumberland, which enclose the entire circuit of the
grounds. At this time a lodge was also constructed within the grounds on the orders
of the Duke for use as a Park Keepers Lodge (Saunders, 2006). Today this building
is used as a ticket office for the Castle.
3.2.3 Historic
The historical values of Launceston Castle are centred on its use as a stronghold, a
seat of justice and power and its use as an administrative centre, all of which are
both of national and of regional importance. These values are made more significant
due to the development of the Castle into the primary stronghold of the Earls and
later Dukes of Cornwall.
Launceston Castle has been in continuous occupation since the first fortifications
were constructed on the site in 1068. It is a conquest castle, dating to the time when
William was consolidating his rule as King. The first fortifications at Launceston date
to the invasion of Cornwall in 1068 by William the Conqueror, who brought the
county under full control of the Crown. The first phase of the motte and bailey castle
at Launceston was constructed by Robert, Count of Mortain, one of the wealthiest
land owners of the time and half brother of William the Conqueror. Robert moved an
23
existing market from the Church of St Stephen’s to the area immediately east of the
Castle to be the economic centre for the newly founded town of Dunheved. This
Norman foundation continued to develop throughout the medieval period into the
town of Launceston. The layout of the town that grew up around the Castle reflects
this close relationship, with street plans respecting the shape of the Castle precinct.
The thirteenth century is the most significant period of the Castle’s history, when it
reached the height of its power under Earl Richard, who was made King of the
Roman’s in 1257 (Denholm-Young, 1947). Richard was one of the wealthiest men in
Europe and to reflect his status he undertook major remodelling works at Launceston
turning it into a visual symbol of his power. The impressive South Gatehouse, motte
Guard Tower and curtain wall date to his reign.
Launceston Castle had been the administrative centre for the county of Cornwall
until Earl Edmund moved this office to Restormel Castle. It regained sole
administrative rights over the county in 1555 with the restoration of the Assize Court
and County Gaol. During the period of administration from Restormel, Launceston
Castle retained its feudal tradition as the head of the honour. With the creation of the
Duchy of Cornwall in 1337, Launceston retained this function and fealty was sworn
there to Edward the Black Prince in 1354 (Saunders, 2006). The Castle still plays a
part in the feudal traditions administered by the Duchy as newly created Dukes
receive their feudal dues at Launceston Castle.
Archaeological investigation at the Castle has revealed remarkable survival of
medieval material relating to all phases of activity during the occupation of the
medieval castle. These remains have informed how the Castle evolved during this
period, showing phases of reconstruction within the bailey and indicating the periods
of major remodelling of the Castle. The survival of documentary evidence has
allowed these features to be tied to the Earl or Duke who initiated their construction.
This has provided a reliable history of the Castle from its first occupation through to
present day.
24
3.2.3 Aesthetic
The Aesthetic values of Launceston Castle, relate to the setting of the Castle and its
position in the landscape, which owes much to the topographical nature of the
immediate area. As stated above the Castle was constructed on a natural terrace
with open views from the south east to the north. This strategic position means that
the Castle dominates the sky line on all approaches to Launceston and so travellers
can hardly fail to notice it. The Castle looks out over all the land in between Bodmin
Moor and Dartmoor, with the two granite massifs being clearly visible in good
weather. It is this expansive view that really brings alive the reason for the choosing
of this particular site by the Norman builders.
Figure 5 : Picture of Launceston Castle by Hendrik Frans de Cort, 1770. © English Heritage
Photo Library.
It is the view of the Castle itself however, that has inspired a number of artists who
have depicted the Castle a number of times throughout the last few hundred years.
The most famous painting of Launceston Castle was created in 1770 by Hendrik
Frans De Cort, see figure 5, which was purchased by English Heritage and now
hangs in the exhibition room in the admissions office at the site. A number of other
paintings and engravings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries depict the
Castle and the buildings that survive within it. One such painting from the collection
owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London shows the Castle in the early 1800s
with the County Goal building in the foreground of the painting.
25
3.3.4 Communal
The Castle is the focal point of Launceston, being visible from many locations within
the town. There is a strong sense of pride relating to the Castle from many residents
of Launceston. This is aided by the use of the Castle Green, the bailey, as a
communal space. A sense of ownership is also afforded to the residents by the
clause within the Guardianship deed that specifies local residents must be given free
access to the motte and keep, which now form the paying zone within the grounds.
On average over the last three years the Castle has seen 2000 free visitors a year,
of which approximately half are local residents. The other half is made up off visitors
who hold Overseas Visitor passes, Great British Heritage passes and Corporate
members (English Heritage, Annual Site Report? Key Performance Indicators).
As the administrative centre for the county Launceston Castle was the seat of the
Assizes Court and County Gaol. Throughout its history Launceston Castle was home
to many prisoners and hosted a number of executions. In 1577 Cuthbert Mayne, a
Catholic priest, was arrested and taken to Launceston Castle where he was
imprisoned. Mayne was working in Cornwall as a missionary priest, preaching the
Catholic faith to followers in a time of Catholic suppression under Queen Elizabeth I.
Mayne was sentenced to death and he was dragged on a hurdle into Launceston
town square where he was hung drawn and quartered; his head was then displayed
above the Castle gate. Until recently an annual pilgrimage brought his skull back to
Launceston where his followers paid their respects to the Catholic martyr (Bate
Venning, 1976), see plate
4. Although this pilgrimage
no longer takes place
Launceston Castle still
receives visitors who wish
to see where he was
martyred.
Plate 4: A plaque commemorating St Cuthbert Mayne within the grounds of the Castle.
26
Launceston Castle also has a place in the history of the Quaker Society of Friends
religious group, as founder member George Fox was held in the Doomsdale in 1656,
see plate 5.
Plate 5: Plaque commemorating George Fox, located at the entrance to the Doomsdale.
The position of Launceston on the main route into and out of the county of Cornwall
ensures the town’s place as one of the main destinations for tourists. The Castle
occupies the centre of the town attracting large numbers of visitors each year,
making it one of the principle tourist attractions in the county.
For the last few years the number of visitors has declined. In 1997 visitor numbers
were just over 20,000 for the seven months the Castle is open to the public. This
figure has however, has dropped with figures for 2008 recording 16,000 visitors
(English Heritage, Key Performance Indicators). Although the number of visitors has
dropped, satisfaction levels remain high with the majority of visitors enjoying their
experience. The natural beauty of the site and views from the top of the High Tower
are often quoted as reasons for visitor enjoyment.
The principal educational values of Launceston Castle are two fold. Access to the
site provides an opportunity for the visitor to understand the role and function of a
motte and bailey castle in the medieval period. This is done through the provision of
interpretation material that places the site in its context. In addition, the preservation
of the Castle plays its own interpretive role in the education of children, helping to
bring history to life.
27
Part Five: Conservation Management Issues
This section of the Conservation Management Plan examines the conservation of
the Castle. The need to identify the conservation management issues has been
informed by the Description and Significance of the site discussed above. These
have defined why Launceston Castle is important and clearly stated the need to
preserve the Castle for future generations.
The management issues that need to be dealt with in the bounds of the Scheduled
Monument have been identified by site visits, existing surveys and current usage of
the site. The conservation issues have been broken down into four sections which
examine the conservation needs of the site as a whole and provide
recommendations for achieving the continued conservation of the site.
5.1 Management and Condition of the Monument
The Castle remains are represented by both built structures and earthworks, namely
the motte. These hard and soft elements of the Castle face differing conservation
threats.
Built Structures
The documentation shows that during its life span the Castle has been repaired on
many occasions, with English Heritage records showing that numerous programmes
of repointing and consolidation have taken place over the last fifty years. These
programmes of repair show that the bedding material is prone to decay; perhaps this
is due to the harsh Cornish weather and the exposed site the Castle occupies. A
recent small collapse of material from the roof of the stairwell within the High Tower
highlights that this deterioration process is on going. Investigation of the Shell Keep
suggests that areas of original mortar are still in existence. It is a light orange colour
suggesting that a clay loam is likely to have been used in the lime mix. The mortar
includes an aggregate material of small pebbles. Where possible this should be
prevented from deteriorating to the point where it will need replacing.
28
Later repairs by the Ministry of Works have significantly altered the profile of bedding
material used, as at this stage in Conservation it was the practice to use hard
mortars for the purposes of re-bedding. Large areas of grey material, which looks to
contain a high amount of cement, can be seen at the Castle. Due to its nature this
material is unlikely to deteriorate but future damage may be caused to the stones
around it as they cannot move in this bedding material. A modern mortar is evident in
the Castle structure. It is brown in colour and highly refined, containing no visible
aggregate material. This mortar is currently on display on the roof of the stairway
within the High Tower, where it appears that damp is causing the mortar to rot and
become loose. Lastly recent repairs have been conducted with a lime mortar that is
white in colour, which does fade into a softer less visible shade after a short period of
weathering.
Soft Structures
Erosion of the motte has already been a serious issue in the recent history of the
Castle. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the motte was dug into for
use as vegetable plots and shacks were erected on its sides. This activity had made
the motte unstable and caused it to begin slumping. This damaged both the Shell
Keep and High Tower causing them both to begin to fracture. The High Tower began
to lean out of its vertical,
further damaging its structure,
plate 6. In 1959 heavy rain
caused further slumping,
which led the Ministry of
Works to insert a concrete ring
beam around the top of the
motte in 1961 (Saunders,
2006).
Plate 6: Plaque detailing the inclination of the keep.
Climate change is likely to have an effect on the Castle, the motte in particular. It has
been predicted that climate change will entail more frequent and heavier rainfall that
has the possibility to cause further instability in the make up of the motte. The
29
increase in rainfall and its intensity has already begun to be witnessed with very wet
summers being recorded for 2007 and 2008. The present condition of the motte has
not changed. It is heavily planted and a number of trees grow up its sides and
around its base. The planting is currently unobtrusive and adds to the aesthetic
values of the Castle site.
Recommendations
Monitoring
• In order to stop any advanced deterioration occurring to both the hard and soft
elements of the site, a regular programme of survey should be introduced.
This can be achieved through the Asset Management Survey programme that
English Heritage already has in operation.
• The most recent of these was conducted in 2008, while the previous survey
was in 2002. The Asset Management Programme aims to survey sites every
four years and so at Launceston these surveys need to be conducted on a
more regular basis.
• A full history of the maintenance episodes should be put together which draws
on all of the surviving maintenance records, including all of the different stone
and mortars that have been used in each component part of the site. In the
event of repair work being necessary this will then enable the correct material
to be used.
• As part of this, areas that need maintenance work should be identified and a
schedule of works should be drawn up. If such a schedule is drawn up every
year then maintenance work will be able to be proactive rather than reactive,
and should minimise the amount of work needing to be done over the next
few years.
Recording
• A measured survey of the site would be of great use for analytical survey and
for interpretation.
• Such a plan should be drawn up and stored with the maintenance records.
This would allow the different areas of construction materials to be accurately
plotted and would act as a visual aid.
30
• A measured survey may provide new details of the Castle structure that can
be passed on to visitors. New and updated information is always welcomed in
a research context as well.
Investigation
• Each area identified should undergo preliminary investigation once identified
to assess how urgent the repair work is and the extent of the area needing
maintenance.
5.2 Vandalism and Security
Incidents of vandalism have escalated over the past couple of years, with much
damage to the historic fabric occurring. Climbing and walking on all of the walls is
commonplace. Walking on walls of such antiquity may not show tangible signs of
damage immediately but nonetheless damage is likely to have occurred. Graffiti is
also commonplace, being both scratched into and drawn on the fabric of the Castle,
see plate 7. This type of damage can be combated in numerous ways. The current
good relationship with the local Police force and the installation of CCTV cameras
has helped with this issue, see plate 8, but more could be done to deter vandals.
Plate 7: Graffiti drawn on the curtain wall.
The CCTV System
In 2008 five CCTV cameras were installed at three different locations within the site
to try and deter the vandalism that had been occurring on site. However, the
installation and the programming of the cameras was never fully completed and a
31
number of problems do exist within the system. The two cameras set up in position
close to the Northgate entrance experience problems in operation that affects the
quality of the picture. This has caused problems for the Police in identifying
individuals from the images. The second problem with the system is that the two
roving cameras are not synchronised together which leaves blind spots in their tours.
This makes it difficult to properly monitor the system and reduces its effectiveness.
Damage to property within the scheduled area
Within the bailey, which as stated is open to the public twenty four hours a day, a
number of benches had been provided for visitor and community use. These were
destroyed in a number of ways including burning. The bin provided was also set
alight, which causes a
considerable hazard to members
of the public and the emergency
services who deal with such
incidents. The Custodians Hut
has been vandalised on
numerous occasions causing
hundreds of pounds worth of
damage. The CCTV cameras
appear to have put a halt to this
behaviour and improved the
situation.
Plate 8: A CCTV camera within the bailey.
Flood Lights
The motte is surrounded by flood lights that illuminate the motte, Shell Keep and
High Tower at night. These switch on automatically at dusk making the Keep visible
from different areas within the town throughout the night. Unfortunately they are a
target for vandalism and the perspex panes protecting the lights have been cracked
and painted over on many occasions. Another issue has arisen with the sighting of
32
one of the flood lights that sits on the north side of the motte. The angle the light is
placed at means that it lights the back part of the motte rather than the Keep, which
is a security issue. The light allows people to get access up this part of the motte to
the Keep in the dark.
Recommendations
• The current problems with the CCTV system need to addressed as soon as
possible to make the system as effective as possible. There is little point in a
CCTV system that does not work properly.
• During 2010 a CCTV system similar to the one in operation at the Castle is to
be installed in the town and will be monitored for the Police by trained
volunteers. Discussions are already underway between English Heritage and
Devon and Cornwall Police to integrate the two systems meaning that the
Castle cameras will be monitored on a regular basis.
• A new fence should be installed, along the line of the current fence separating
the paying and free areas.
• It is suggested that the new fence should be higher than the one currently in
place. This would make it harder to climb over and would allow anti vandal
paint to be used on the top of the support posts.
• The flood light at the rear of the motte should be re-angled so as the light falls
on the Keep rather than the motte, which should help to deter people climbing
up.
5.3 Enhancing Visitor Experience
There are currently a number of issues that detract from visitor experience that can
be addressed under the scope of the conservation management plan.
Intrusive plant growth
Currently all areas of the site are suffering from intrusive plant growth. The worst
affected area is the entrance through the South Gate, which is lined with plants, see
plate 9. The motte stairs are also badly affected by intrusive growth, see plate 10.
Not only is this poor presentation but some of these plants also present a risk to
visitors, although the risk is low. Ragwort is one of the intrusive plants, which acts as
33
a skin irritant. Another issue of regarding intrusive plants growth is the woody plants
that have taken hold in the historic fabric. These plants have taken root in the mortar
and their growth forces the mortar and stones apart. It is the growth of these types of
plants that need tighter management to limit the potential for any damage to the
structure of the Castle remains.
Plates 9 and 10: 9 shows the intrusive planting within the South gate entrance, while 10 shows the intrusive planting up the motte stairs.
The areas of planting within the Castle date to the use of the site as a park garden.
Many of these plants have become damaged by intrusive growth within them, see
plate 11. In certain cases this
has drawn complaints from the
people of Launceston. These
represent a phase in the history
of the Castle and should be
properly maintained with
continued growth being
encouraged.
Plate 11: Intrusive growth damaging a bush that relates to the use of the site as a communal park.
34
Renewal of surfaces
The floors of the buildings within the bailey have a layer of protective gravel over
them, which dates to the time the Castle was under the care of the Ministry of Works.
The gravel was used not only as a protective layer but also worked as part of a
presentational code. In all sites under the care of the Ministry of Works building
remains that would once have been roofed structures had a layer of gravel put down
to communicate this to the public. This practice has been kept up at Launceston and
the gravel still remains. This layer has dissipated in most of these buildings leaving
areas of green growth, see plate 12. The layer of gravel within the Shell Keep and
High Tower is also beginning to dissipate. This is leaving areas of exposed mud and
clay that are slippery and dangerous when wet. This should be addressed to ensure
minimal risk to visitors.
Plate 12: An area of weed growth in the Administrative Hall due to gravel dissipation.
Benches and Boundary Marking
The bailey is a communal area that had a number of benches within it for use of
visitors and the community. To enhance the experience of people using the bailey
these benches need to be reinstated. With the issue of vandalism being combated it
should be possible to replace the benches without the fear of having them destroyed.
The fence that separates the free and paying zones is coming to the end of its life.
The fence is beginning to sag in many areas and looks untidy, see plate 13. This is
due to it being climbed over by people gaining access into the Castle after hours.
35
Plate 13: Picture shows the ageing fence that is in need of replacement.
Visitor flow routes
There are currently five footpaths crossing the Castle. Three of these are paved with
concrete and so will weather well. The remaining two are not paved with any man
made material. The first follows the line of the eastern rampart to the bridge over the
motte ditch. The second is cut into the side of the motte and winds round the motte
from the bridge coming out onto the western side at the base. At present both paths
are in good condition. There is, however, an area of erosion that is starting to appear
at the beginning of the second path that will need to be monitored as it may present
a risk to both the site as well as visitors in the future.
Recommendations
Site presentation is one of the major factors that influence visitor experience. Sites
that appear to be well cared for are more likely to experience higher levels of visitor
satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Presentation
• The appearance of the buildings within the bailey detracts from the visual
experience of the site.
• The current floor surfaces have dissipated leaving large areas of weed and
moss growth. Raking these surfaces to remove the plants and laying down a
36
new layer of gravel would give the site an instant lift. A new layer of gravel is
also required in the Keep and High Tower.
• More benches should be provided for the bailey area.
• A new fence should be erected and designed so as to help further reduce
incidents of vandalism. Please see the vandalism section above.
Ground Maintenance
• More intensive ground work should be undertaken, which should include
regular spraying of the Castle structures. This should remove intrusive plants
and prevent them from reoccurring.
• The woody growth may need to be removed carefully by hand and any
damage evident recorded.
• A balance needs to be found between intrusive and woody plants that detract
from visitor experience and plants that enhances the aesthetic value of the
site.
• The current erosion of an area of footpath on the east side of the motte needs
to be monitored. The edge should be reveted to prevent collapse and to
maintain the path for visitors.
5.4 Site Interpretation and Signage
One of the purposes of English Heritage is to interpret its sites for the benefit of the
general public. This is achieved by the provision of information boards at each site.
Appropriate signage is essential both within and outside the Castle. Signs placed
outside the Castle grounds, in the town, encourage people visiting Launceston to
also visit the Castle. These signs not only inform visitors of the presence of the
Castle but they also guide them to the entrance into the grounds.
Interpretation Boards
Two of the six interpretation boards attracted the attention of vandals, who knocked
over the two boards irreparably damaging the poles that anchor them into the
ground. This has meant that they have had to be removed from public display and
now only one board remains in the free area providing interpretation for visitors. Two
further boards situated on the approach to the tower at the base of the motte are
37
bleaching due to the effect of the sun. To ensure the Castle is interpreted to the
highest possible standard, so as to maximise visitor enjoyment, these interpretation
boards need to be well maintained with all of the text being clear and readable.
Signage
At present there is only one small, unreadable sign within the town. To encourage
more visitors to the Castle, appropriate signs need to be provided for the town centre
and erected in visible locations, although this will need permission form Launceston
Town Council.
As discussed above there is a problem with people climbing up the walls. This does
not solely apply to after hour’s visitors, with many people using the bailey in the day
climbing up the South Gatehouse and standing sections of the curtain wall, see plate
14. Climbing up these high sections of wall causes damage to the historic fabric and
presents a risk to the
climber. There is no
signage with the Castle to
request that visitors do not
climb up the walls and this
should be looked at so as
to avoid the risks to both
historic fabric and climber.
Plate 16: Visitors sitting on top of a section of curtain wall.
Recommendations
• The interpretation boards within the grounds of the Castle need to be
maintained to ensure the interpretive material is of the highest possible
standard. To this end a number of damaged boards will need to be replaced.
• The two boards that previously stood within the bailey need to be replaced.
This should be of a high priority as without the boards there is no
38
interpretation for people visiting the site when the motte and its associated
buildings are closed to visitors.
• Another form of interpretation that may be of use on the site is an audio tour.
Currently this is not provided for visitors who have to rely on the guidebook,
interpretation panels and the information in the small exhibition room in the
ticket office. As the guidebook is an extra expense a number of visitors opt to
walk around the site without it and so do not get as much out of their visit as
perhaps they could.
• Good signage within towns locating heritage sites can attract visitors to the
site who were not aware of its presence before arriving. Launceston Castle
dominates the town and so tourists should be aware of it as they approach the
town.
• Many people have trouble locating the entrances as these are not well
signposted. To avoid this occurring in the future, clear signposts, indicating
the direction of the gates should be erected within the town square.
• In order to make it clear that climbing on the walls is not allowed and to
discourage it, signs should be erected that clearly state climbing up and
walking on these structures is not allowed.
5.5 Consultation
The preparation of this project has included the consultation and input of a number of
different individuals from different organisations. These are:
• English Heritage staff including Francis Kelly, Richard Baker, Debbie Swatton,
Phil McMahon, Clarissa Payne, Carole Owen, Heather Sebire Keith Robson,
Linda Taylor, Caroline Atkinson, Chris Bally and Liz Allison.
• Launceston Town Council, Robert Tremain and Rita Skinner.
• Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service, Jane Powning
• Cornwall and Devon Police, individuals include David Sheppard, Stephen Edser
and Lawrence Hambrook.
The Conservation Management Plan was presented to the Town Council during a
Council meeting on Tuesday 15th June 2010. From the comments and discussion
after the presentation it became clear that some members of the Council felt some
39
hostility towards the way that English Heritage was currently maintaining the Castle.
One of the main causes of this was the provision of benches on the Castle Green.
Two of the benches currently situated on the Green have been donated by a
member of the community and the Council felt that it was English Heritage’s
responsibility to provide benches for use rather than relying on donations.
The condition of the Northgate house was discussed with the Council members
asking why it was not open to the public as it is one of the main attractions for
visitors, having once been the Doomsdale prison. Its current use is as a store room
and is not safe for visitors to enter. A suggestion was made that it could be cleared
and made presentable to visitors even though they could not enter inside.
Another area that caused hostility was the lack of provision of a public toilet. The
current toilet facilities are in the paying section of the site although they do not meet
the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and so cannot be opened
to the public, which was explained to the Council. There are public toilets in the
perimeter wall on the south east corner of the site, reached from the pavement
outside of the Castle. These were closed during the 1970s and it was asked why
these could not be re-opened to provide public facilities. It was thought that these
toilets would be under the care of Cornwall Council and so enquires should be made
to them. From this arose the fact that some of the members of the Council thought
that the dog walkers who frequented the site should be made to keep their animals
on a lead. It was pointed out that this was difficult to enforce, especially in the winter
months when there was no one on site.
40
Bibliography
Books
Bate Venning, A. (1976) The Book of Launceston (London: Malcolm G. Read Ltd)
Brown, R., Colvin, H. and Taylor, A. (1963) The History of the King’s Works, Volume
II (London: Her Majesty’s Stationary Office)
Thorn, C and F. (1979) Domesday Book: Cornwall (Chichester: Phillimore)
Denholm-Young, N. (1947) Richard of Cornwall (Oxford: Blackwell)
Dunning, M. (2001) Launceston: A Photographic History of Your Town (Salisbury:
Black Horse Books)
Pattison, S.R. 1852 Launceston Castle Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall
33rd Annual Report Appendix 1, 19-37
Saunders, A. (1998) Launceston Castle (London: English Heritage)
Saunders, A. (2006) Excavations at Launceston Castle, Cornwall (The Society for
Medieval Archaeology, Monograph 24)
Guidance Notes and Policy
Heritage Lottery Fund (2008) Conservation Management Planning
English Heritage (2008) Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance For The
Sustainable Management of The Historic Environment
Government Legislation (1983) The National Heritage Act
Government Legislation (1979) The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas
Act
English Heritage and Historic Environment Service
English Heritage, National Monuments Record, Kemble Drive
Swindon, SN2 2GZ
English Heritage Files: AM70102/01
AM70102/04
AA070102/1
English Heritage, Key Performance Indicators
Cornwall and Sciliy HES, County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY
41
Websites
Edina – www.edina.ac.uk – accessed on 1st April 2009
Magic – www.magic.gov.uk - accessed on 1st April 2009
42
Appendix A – Reconstruction Illustrations
Figure 6 : Illustration depicting the late 11th century Castle (Saunders, 2006).
Figure 7: Illustration depicting the mid 13th century Castle (Saunders, 2006)
Top Related