Pendennis was constructed under the supervision of Henry VIII, as was its “twin”, across Carrick Roads at St Mawes. The purpose was to protect the Roads from a threat of a Spanish or French invasion. Huge cannons were installed on either side that were capable of firing a ball more than half a mile, thus protecting the entire width of the Roads.

The invasions never materialised and the castle saw its first and only real action in the Civil War when it was under the command of Sir John Arundell of Trerice and Lanherne. Pendennis withstood a five month Roundhead siege under his leadership whereas St Mawes castle, across the Roads capitulated without firing a shot. Pendennis eventually surrendered due to the impending starvation of its defenders in August 1646 after mounting a fierce and brave defence.

In the mid-18th century, Queen Henrieta Maria sought sanctuary at Pendennis prior to fleeing to France after Exeter’s fall to Cromwell’s army, as did Prince Charles (later to be Charles II), who also fled to France via the Scilly Islands.

Major fortifications were added to Pendennis in 1795 with a gun platform being built below the south curtain wall; this is now part of the Coast Guard station.

The castle still features its original wooden portcullis emblazoned with the Royal Coat of Arms.

Today, Pendennis castle can be approached by way of Castle Drive which circles the headland on which it stands at the far east of the town, overlooking Gyllyngvase beach. It is open to the public who may access the ramparts by way of a twisting staircase.

Work began on Pendennis Castle in 1539 to counter the threat of surprise Spanish raids. The range of the Tudor guns was around 875 yards, meaning that the entire width of the estuary could be defended from two points of vantage. These raids never materialised however and the first action the castle saw was during the Civil War when it withstood a Roundhead siege for five months whilst under the command of Sir John Arundell of Trerice and Lanherne. Throughout this siege, the adjacent St Mawes castle yielded without a shot being fired. After five months, however, starvation finally bought submission from the defenders of Pendennis.

A century later, Queen Henrietta Maria sought refuge at Pendennis before fleeing to France, and Prince Charles (later Charles II) stopped here en route to France via the Scillies. In 1795, further fortifications were added with a cannon platform below the south wall. Across the parade ground is the keep, complete with wooden portcullis, and is adorned with the royal arms.

In latter times, the castle has served as a coastguard station, a barrack block, and most recently, a youth hostel.

One mile east is St Mawes Castle, built in the early 1540s to protect from Spanish raids and, like Pendennis, saw no action other than in the Civil War. Of particular interest is the clover-leaf shape of the fort, complete with motte-and-bailey. The lobed shape is more in line with Italian Renaissance architecture from the early 1500s and shows a keen appreciation of their motifs. St Mawes Castle does not share the same level of historical importance as Pendennis but is better preserved with a line of cannons facing out over Carrick Roads and a view south towards St Antony’s lighthouse.

Both castles are in fine condition and must have been an imposing and welcome sight for returning sailors during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The car parks here are free, and entrance to either National Trust property is £3.80 per adult.

The fortification is one of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses which protected the entire length of the south coast of England. The main gate is a bit of a walk from the carpark. Upon entering, one should ascertain a time to visit (by guided tour) the Half Moon Battery. Having done that, one can explore the rest of the fortification before or after the Half Moon tour. The tour will begin at the discovery center, which is probably a good place for the visitor to go at the time of arrival, anyway.

Half Moon Battery is a World War II installation with massive artillery and an extensive ammunition store and fire-control house. In the depths of the ammunition store, the visitor will experience a sound and light show of the battery in action during an aircraft raid.

On your own, you can visit the One-Gun battery with its "disappearing gun", the war shelter and the East Bastion. The focal point of the tour will be the Keep, Henry VIII's original fortification where one can axperience the sights and sounds of a Tudor gun action.

Okay, I am a fortifications aficionado . . . my wife is very patient with me. This was a good one because the demonstrations ranged from late medieval to modern. Will everyone enjoy this as much as I did? Do you like fortifications?