Name: Pendennis Castle
Address: Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Telephone: 01326 316594

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Pendennis Castle

We have changed the opening arrangements of our sites to play our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Pendennis Castle is currently closed and any tickets pre-booked for the closed period will be cancelled and refunds automatically made as needed, so there is no need to contact us. We are keeping a selection of sites open for local people to use for exercise during the lockdown period. These are a mixture of free-to-enter and paid sites, and all have plenty of outdoor space for safe social distancing. Visits to paid sites must be booked in advance. We hope to be able to reopen many more of our sites in the near future, and we are currently taking advanced bookings for early spring and beyond. If we are unable to open a site by the time of your booked visit, your ticket will be automatically refunded without you needing to contact us. Thank you for your understanding, patience and support during this difficult time.

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Address

Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP

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Things to See and Do

Hire Pendennis Castle

In this picturesque coastal Tudor castle, hold your event with against the backdrop of views across a shimmering bay with distant ships passing on the horizon.

Inside the 450-year-old keep, the granite walls and warm wooden flooring provide a charismatic setting while outside the circular chemise is perfect for a drinks reception.

The Edwardian Royal Artillery Barrack have been converted into a smart self-contained hospitality suite with three bright event spaces perfect for all events.

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Pendennis Timeline

1539Artillery Fort

Henry VIII establishes gun forts on both shores of the Fal estuary, at Pendennis and St Mawes.

Find out more about the history of Pendennis Castle

1578Spanish Threat

Faced with the threat of a Spanish invasion, the fort is fully garrisoned by up to 100 men.

1597Bastioned Fortress

Engineer Paul Ive encloses Henry VIII's castle within a pentagonal fortress to defend the entire headland. It has a high rampart, ditch and bastions with heavy guns.

Read a description of Pendennis Castle

1625-30Strengthened Defences

After catastrophic English involvement in the Thirty Years War, engineer Sir Bernard Johnson builds a new bastioned rampart and ditch, strengthening the castle's northern defences.

1642-6Civil War

Pendennis serves as a Royalist garrison for Charles I. About 1,000 men endure a three-month siege, surrendering only when food runs out.

1646-1714The Fort Neglected

A small garrison is maintained, with new gateway and guard barracks. An engineer later reports Pendennis is 'neglected' and 'in a very ruinous condition'.

1732-9Georgian Modernisation

Engineer Colonel Christian Lilly recommends repairs. The old rampart is reformed and new guns are installed. New buildings include a storehouse, powder magazine and gunners' barracks.

1775-1815Wartime Additions

During the American and Napoleonic wars, the local Miners' Militia garrisons Pendennis. New additions include the Half-Moon Battery and five raised gun batteries.

1815-54Decline and Rearmament

Peacetime results in decades of neglect. When England and France once again become rivals, powerful guns are installed at Half-Moon Battery and Crab Quay.

1880-1900Modern Warfare Technology

Falmouth becomes a Defended Port. A submarine minefield is laid across the Fal estuary. Breech-loading guns, range-finders, searchlights for night fighting, telephones and electricity are introduced.

1902New Residents

The 105th Regiment Royal Garrison Artillery takes over at Pendennis. A war signal station is installed on the original castle roof to control shipping movements.

1914-1918First World War

Pendennis is the coast artillery defence command centre for West Cornwall during the First World War. Thousands of troops are trained here before going to war in France and Belgium.

1939-45Second World War

Pendennis defends against torpedo boats and launches long-range, radar-controlled attacks against enemy ships.

1945-1957Coast Artillery Branch

The Coast Artillery Branch of the Army uses Pendennis for training until it is disbanded.

1957Open to the Public

The Ministry of Works takes over care for Pendennis and opens it to the public.

Learn more about Pendennis Castle

Nearby Places
Similar Places

St Mawes Castle
1.21 miles from Pendennis Castle
Halliggye Fogou
8.51 miles from Pendennis Castle
St Catherine's Castle
21.69 miles from Pendennis Castle

Dupath Well
41.24 miles from Pendennis Castle
Royal Citadel, Plymouth
42.9 miles from Pendennis Castle
Upper Plym Valley
51.67 miles from Pendennis Castle

Nearby Places
- St Mawes Castle
  1.21 miles from Pendennis Castle
- Halliggye Fogou
  8.51 miles from Pendennis Castle
- St Catherine's Castle
  21.69 miles from Pendennis Castle
Similar Places
- Dupath Well
  41.24 miles from Pendennis Castle
- Royal Citadel, Plymouth
  42.9 miles from Pendennis Castle
- Upper Plym Valley
  51.67 miles from Pendennis Castle