ST MAWES CASTLE, CORNWALL

St Mawes Castle, Cornwall TR2 3AA.

St Mawes is one of the finest examples of Tudor military architecture, being one of the most decorated of Henry VIII's castle forts. The castles stonework was embellished with string courses, elaborately carved gargoyles and detailed windows. The Royal Coat of Arms is carved into the stonework above the entrance, with more carved inscriptions throughout the interior of the castle, proclaiming loyalty to Henry and the Crown.

The central tower was designed with four floors. You enter the tower by a bridge to the third level. The elaborate decorations were continued inside the tower, with wooden carvings of a cherub, a monk, Tudor roses and fleur-de-lis surviving to the present day. The gun platforms at St Mawes, were like Pendennis well designed, with the towers upper gun deck being built with ventilation shafts above the gun placements to disperse the smoke. The forward gun room at the castle has several canons on display to the general public; you can still see the sockets in the walls that held the large beams to support the gun tackle needed to manoeuvre the large cannon.

St Mawes, like its neighbour Pendennis did not see action against the French or the Spanish during the Tudor period. The defences were improved by Elizabeth I in preparation for a full scale invasion, following the Spanish landings and raid on Penzance and Mounts Bay in 1595; but this never materialised. St Mawes was a Royalist stronghold - along with Pendennis - during the English Civil War. The Royalist commander at St. Mawes, realising the castles inherent vulnerability from a land attack being located part way down the hillside - surrendered to the Roundheads shortly after being confronted. The castle at Pendennis commanded by Sir John Arundel and assisted by Sir Henry Killigrew, was in a much better strategic position, perched securely on top of the hill and although completely cut off by Parliamentarian forces, resisted the siege for six months.

HOTELS NEAR ST MAWES CASTLE

Best Western Falmouth Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Centre

Gyllyngvase Beach, Seafront, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NA.
The Falmouth Beach Hotel is a 123 bedroom hotel situated on the beautiful Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall. The Falmouth Beach Hotel has a 200 -seat restaurant, bar, guests lounge as well as conference and wedding facilities.

Hotel Anacapri

Gyllyngvase Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4DJ.
The Hotel Anacapri has stunning sea views over Falmouth Bay. Private Hotel with 16 rooms, all en-suite, a liensed bar and stunning sea views. AA 2 Star.

Park Grove Hotel

58 Kimberley Park Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2DD.
Centrally situated for harbour, town centre and beaches. Excellent cuisine and extremely comfortable en-suite rooms. A small hotel overlooking the beautiful Kimberley Park. Personally supervised by resident proprietors.

St Michael's Hotel & Spa

Gyllyngvase Beach, Seafront, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NB.
With stunning sea views across the bay, St Michaels Hotel and Spa is opposite Falmouths sandy 'Blue Flag' beach. An independent, owner-managed hotel we focus on providing a friendly, personal service with high standards throughout.

The Falmouth Hotel

Castle Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NZ.
When you stay at the Falmouth Hotel you can be sure of every comfort. We offer a full range of amenities and facilities for you to enjoy.

The Green Lawns Hotel

Western Terrace, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4QJ.
The Green Lawns Hotel is an old established and privately owned hotel. The hotel is beautifully situated with views across Falmouth bay and the surrounding countryside.

The Idle Rocks Hotel

Harbourside, St Mawes, Cornwall, TR2 5AN.
The Idle Rocks sits on the edge of the harbour wall in the quaint fishing village of St Mawes. Its location on the southern coast of the UKs mildest county, makes the hotel a destination to visit all year around.

The Lerryn Hotel

De Pass Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4BJ.
The Lerryn Hotel is located in the town of Falmouth and is an ideal location for discovering this part of Cornwall. The hotel is family run and situated in a quiet residential area , near beach, town, docks, stations and all amenities