Launceston Castle, St Thomas Road, Launceston, Cornwall
The first part of Launceston Castle to be built was the motte or mound. It was built on an existing rock outcrop in the late 11th century. It was built for Robert, Count of Mortain. He was a half-brother of William the Conqueror. He later became Earl of Cornwall. The motte had a stone shell keep built on the top around the late 12th century. This was replaced by a high tower in the early 13th century. Launceston Castle was the centre for the control of Cornwall from just after the Norman Conquest. In 1272, following Richard of Cornwall's death, his son Edmund shifted the administration to Loswithiel. During the Civil War the castle and town were held for the King until captured by Fairfax's army on 25th February 1646. The High Tower was used as a prison for much of the Medieval period. This site is now in the care of English Herigage (2010).
