Standing guard over the once walled village of Launceston is the Norman castle. The first castle to stand here was constructed in the eleventh century of timber and ditches. It later became the stronghold of the Earls of Cornwall. Richard of Cornwall who held the earldom from 1227 through 1272 did a major rebuilding to construct the castle as it is seen today, a symbol of power and status.

The working life of the castle was short, and by the end of the thirteenth century the earls of Cornwall abandoned the stronghold and the castle fell into disrepair.

By the time of the Commonwealth it was in such poor shape that unlike most other castles it was not dismantled. However, it was still used as a prison. In 1656 George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, was confined there for eight months.

Today it still towers over the town and is well worth a visit.