Guidebook: Restormel Castle

For over 700 years Restormel Castle has stood in its dominant position on a hillside overlooking the peaceful Fowey valley. It was built by Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, one of the most powerful men in England in the late 13th century. It stood within an extensive hunting park, near the town of Lostwithiel, which formed the centre for the earl’s governance of Cornwall and control of the lucrative tin industry – the source of much of his wealth and power. In the 14th century, the castle was restored by Edward, the ‘Black Prince’, newly made Duke of Cornwall. He enjoyed two extended stays at the castle, including during the Christmas festivities of 1362. The castle was little used in the later Middle Ages, however, and by the 16th century the buildings had fallen into ruin. In 1644 it was held briefly by a Parliamentarian army during the Civil War, but was never again occupied. Its ivy-covered ruins were appreciated as a picturesque feature in the landscape during the 18th and 19th centuries and it continued in this state until 1925 when the vegetation was cleared and the building was conserved by the Office of Works. This brand new guide presents a complete tour and history of Restormel Castle, and through new site photography, reconstructions, maps, plans and features, it tells the story of Restormel Castle over the last 750 years. Key Features: Exclusive to English Heritage Published: November 2020