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St Mawes is a small town opposite Falmouth, on the Roseland Peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It lies on the east bank of the Carrick Roads, a large waterway created after the Ice Age from an ancient valley which flooded as the melt waters caused the sea level to rise dramatically, creating an immense natural harbour, often claimed to be the third largest in the world. It was once a busy fishing port, but the trade declined during the 20th century and it now serves as a popular tourist location, with many properties in the town functioning as holiday accommodation.[citation needed] The town is in the civil parish of St Just in Roseland.
St Mawes Castle is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated of them all. One of the chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain, it guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads, sharing the task with Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Fal estuary. A charming clover-leaf shape originally surrounded by octagonal outer defences, St Mawes was designed to mount heavy 'ship-sinking' guns. But particular care was also taken with its embellishment, and it is still bedecked with carved Latin inscriptions in praise of King's Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. It owes its fine preservation to the fact that unlike Pendennis Castle, it was little developed after its completion.
Explore the grounds which stretch down to the waters of the Fal Estuary and enjoy the stunning views across to Pendennis Castle and out to sea. There are often cruise ships and other vessels which pass through this busy shipping lane. During the summer there are outdoor theatre productions so that you be entertained in the beautiful surroundings of the grounds with the castle keep in the background.
Easily falling to a landward attack by Civil War Parliamentarian forces in 1646, it remained neglected until partial re-arming during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other coastal forts built by Henry VIII include Portland, Deal and Walmer Castles.
St Mawes Castle was built as part of a defensive chain of fortresses by Henry VIII to protect the south coast of Cornwall, England This chain of coastal fortifications are known as Henrician Castles or Device Forts.
St Mawes Castle was built between 1539 and 1545, half way down the hillside on the eastern shore of the River Fal estuary to provide protection to the large inland expanse of water known as the Carrick Roads, near Falmouth.
Source: Wikipedia
St Mawes Castle (Cornish: Kastel Lannvowsedh) and its larger sister castle, Pendennis, were built as part of a defensive chain of fortresses by Henry VIII to protect the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.
St Mawes is a small town opposite Falmouth, on the Roseland Peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It lies on the east bank of the Carrick Roads, a large waterway created after the Ice Age from an ancient valley which flooded as the melt waters caused the sea level to rise dramatically, creating an immense natural harbour, often claimed to be the third largest in the world. It was once a busy fishing port, but the trade declined during the 20th century and it now serves as a popular tourist location, with many properties in the town functioning as holiday accommodation. The town is in the civil parish of St Just in Roseland.
A year-round ferry provides a service to Falmouth, which is less than a mile away by boat, but due to its proximity to the Fal estuary it is some 30 miles (48 km) away by road.
One of many Cornwall's lovely little seaside places. There are some lovely cottages alone the sea front.
This photo links to my travel blog at www.heatheronhertravels.com/
Heather and family stayed at Dreamcatchers in St Mawes, Cornwall with www.stmawesretreats.co.uk who offer luxury holiday accommodation
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