Together with Pendennis on the headland opposite, St Mawes Castle was built to guard the safe anchorage in the Carrick Roads. Its three huge circular bastions with gun ports were formidable defences in the sixteenth century but today stand in a peaceful waterside setting.
By 1538 Henry VIII’s divorce of Catherine of Aragon had placed England under the threat of an invasion, protection for its ports became an urgent necessity. The resulting chain of forts reflected the power and efficiency of new types of heavy gun. Henry VIII is known to have been interested in the science of fortification and it is possible that the king himself had a hand in the plan of St Mawes. The exterior of the castle is more elaborate than any of the other artillery forts, with gothic style windows, gargoyles like the outside of a church, and flattering inscriptions.
St Mawes saw no action after all in Henry’s reign. It was generally thought to be weaker than Pendennis and was surrendered without resistance at the end of the Civil War. However, the castle retained its strategic importance, and was refurbished whenever there was a renewed threat of invasion, which explains its excellent condition. In the Second World War anti-aircraft guns at Pendennis and St Mawes defended the Atlantic convoys assembling in the estuary below.
Today, St Mawes is a haven of peace and tranquillity, open throughout the year for visitors to explore or just soak in the atmosphere and magnificent view. Location to the west end of St Mawes village on the Roseland peninsula off A3078. Post code TR2 5DE for satnav or webmap users.
Open from 10am daily April to October and Friday to Monday, November to March. Tel 01326 270526.
