Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPendennis peninsula fortifications

Pendennis peninsula fortifications

England
List entry 1012134
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Pendennis Castle is a coastal fortress constructed by Henry VIII between 1540 and 1545 as part of his programme of defence against French invasion. The castle occupies a prominent headland at the entrance to Falmouth Harbour and comprises a distinctive circular keep surrounded by concentric defensive walls and bastions designed to mount artillery. The fortification was substantially modified and enlarged during the English Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars, with additional bastions and outworks added to accommodate changing military requirements and cannon technology. The site remains one of the most architecturally complete Tudor castles in England and represents the evolution of coastal defence strategy across more than four centuries of military history.

Pendennis peninsula fortifications is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012134. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pendennis peninsula fortifications?

Pendennis Castle is a coastal fortress constructed by Henry VIII between 1540 and 1545 as part of his programme of defence against French invasion. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1012134.

Who is responsible for protecting Pendennis peninsula fortifications?

Pendennis peninsula fortifications 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 1012134.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pendennis peninsula fortifications?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Mawes Castle (2.1 km), Early 20th century gun battery 150m north of St Mawes Castle (2.1 km), Holy well of St Mawes, 80m east of St Mawes Methodist Church (2.8 km).

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