Pendennis Castle in Cornwall

The Barrack Block from 1901, now the gift shop and cafe.

The south coast of England has been heavily fortified since the time of Henry VIII, who had the original castle built to hold off potential invasions by the French and Spanish.  During WWII, the army took it over again to keep the bay safe from the Germans.  The only time it was ever used in a military battle, was during the Civil War, when both the royalist and the rebels wanted it.

An information board explaining the layout as well as the seige during the Civil War.

The Keep built by Henry VIII.

The place is quite massive, with a combination modern walls and the round keep from the 16th century.  It is fun to explore.  Inside the keep they have added a sound and action diorama on the gun deck, complete with gunfire and smoke from the canons.

A stairwell in the Keep.  Imagine running up and down these fully armed.

After hiking the entire castle, as well as up and down all the stairwells, we stopped for lunch in the tearoom, which is inside the Barrack Block from 1901.  The food was delicious.  I had wonderful bean soup with a crusty roll, while Bill enjoyed a sausage sandwich.  Both were washed down with a local cider.

The view toward Falmouth.

World War II gun emplacements looking out over the channel.

It was a beautiful day to be out and about in Cornwall; warm, sunny and not too many tourists.