Launceston in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
North Gate House
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 4, 2018
1. North Gate House Marker
This was the main entrance into the castle from the town until the late 12th century.
Originally, there was a deep ditch around the castle crossed by a fortified bridge. This was destroyed when nearby Eagle House was built in the 18th century.
The long entrance passage was closed by at least one set of doors and a portcullis. The slot for the portcullis and the hinges for later doors, which replaced the portcullis, can still be seen.
The door to your left led into a room for the porter who controlled the gates. Beyond was a prison which continued in use long after the castle ceased to have any military function. In 1656 George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned here for eight months.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list.
Location. 50° 38.262′ N, 4° 21.746′ W. Marker is in Launceston, England, in Cornwall. It can be reached from the intersection of Western Road and Dockey, on the left when traveling north. Located at Launceston Castle. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in South West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Celtic Fringe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dooms-Dale Launceston Castle (here, next to this marker); gorseth kernow (a few steps from this marker); Saint Cuthbert Mayne (a few steps from this marker); The Castle Courtyard in the 13th Century (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The development of the Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); The Earls Chamber (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Launceston.
Also see . . . English Heritage - Launceston Castle.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 4, 2018
2. North Gate House Marker
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 6, 2018
3. North Gate House of Launceston Castle
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 449 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
