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Launceston Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification established in the eleventh century, shortly after the Norman conquest of England. The castle's primary defensive feature is a substantial motte crowned by a circular stone shell keep, which was constructed in the twelfth century and represents one of Cornwall's most significant examples of Norman military architecture. The bailey, or outer defensive enclosure, extends to the south of the motte and would have contained the domestic and administrative buildings necessary for the castle's functioning. As the principal stronghold of the Earls of Cornwall and later a seat of ducal authority, Launceston Castle served both military and administrative purposes throughout the medieval period.
Launceston Castle motte, bailey and shell keep is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017575. View the official record →
Launceston Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification established in the eleventh century, shortly after the Norman conquest of England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017575.
Launceston Castle motte, bailey and shell keep is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1017575.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Medieval hall and St Mary Magdalene's Chapel at Trecarrell (6.5 km), Round called Killabury (6.8 km), Hilltop enclosure 330m south of Hardstone Cottage (7.1 km).
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Research the area around Launceston Castle motte, bailey and shell keep