Launceston Castle is located in the town of Launceston, Cornwall, England. It was probably built by Robert the Count of Mortain after 1068, and initially comprised an earthwork and timber castle with a large motte in one corner. Launceston Castle formed the administrative centre of the new earldom of Cornwall, with a large community packed within the walls of its bailey. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and then substantially redeveloped by Richard of Cornwall after 1227, including a high tower to enable visitors to view his surrounding lands. When Richard's son, Edmund, inherited the castle, he moved the earldom's administration to Lostwithiel, triggering the castle's decline. By 1337, the castle was increasingly ruinous and used primarily as a gaol.
The castle was captured by rebels during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, and was garrisoned by the Royalists during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Towards the end of the civil war it was stripped for its building materials and rendered largely uninhabitable. A small gaol was erected in the centre of the bailey, which was also used for executions. The castle eventually became the county gaol for Cornwall, but was heavily criticised for its poor facilities and treatment of inmates. By 1842, the remaining prisoners had been moved to Bodmin Gaol and the site was closed, the castle being landscaped to form a park by the Duke of Northumberland. During the Second World War, the site was used to host United States Army soldiers and, later, by the Air Ministry for offices. The ministry left the castle in 1956 and the site was reopened to visitors. #launcestoncastle #launceston #cornwall #castle #ancient #abandoned #ruins #ruin #norman #motteandbailey
A great little find yesterday. I was aware of this fascinating place thanks to the very informative blog by @elizabethdale
These are the remains of Daniel Gumb's house.
Daniel Gumb was the most celebrated character to live on the moors near Pensilva. He is best known for his home among the rocks at the Cheeswring, which in Daniel's day was a very remote place indeed. He was born in the parish of Linkinhorne on 14th April 1703 and his main occupation of stone-cutter brought him to the Cheeswring hill where he built his 'house'. He found a slightly sloping large block of granite which measured 10 metres by 3 metres which he made the roof by excavating beneath it, lining the sides with stone cemented with lime.
Daniel lived here rent free with his wife Florence Brokinshaw in 1743. They had a large family but sadly many of their children died young. Daniel had been married previously to Thomazine Roberts in 1735. Thomazine died, possibly in childbirth, but she probably lived with Daniel in his 'house' on the moor because a stone carved 'D. Gumb 1735' was found near the site of the 'house'. He used the roof of his 'house' as an observatory from where he observed the movements of the stars at night. On the surface of the rock he carved mathematical diagrams, one of which survives. He gained a reputation as a 'Mountain Philosopher' and received a number of distinguished visitors, such as William Cookworthy who was the discoverer of china clay. Daniel died in 1776, his son John continued his father's trade of stone-cutting but found himself a more comfortable house elsewhere and abandoned 'Gumb's House'. Acknowledgement: 'The Minions Moor' by Peter Stanier #danielgumb #gumbshouse #cheesewring
#bodminmoor
#minions #stonemason #abandoned
