John H Luxton Photography

Transport + Industrial + History + Regional

  • Home
  • About
  • What's New
  • Browse
  • Photo Sales & Gifts
  • Info / Blog
  • Search
  • Contact
  • Links
Launceston Castle Gallery
  1. England
  2. Cornwall

Launceston

Launceston [Cornish: Lannstevan;] (rarely spelled Lanson as a local abbreviation) is a town, ancient borough, and civil parish in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the River Tamar, which constitutes almost the entire border between Cornwall and Devon.

The landscape of the town is generally steep particularly at a sharp south-western knoll topped by Launceston Castle. These gradients fall down to the River Kensey and smaller tributaries.

The town centre itself is bypassed and is no longer physically a main thoroughfare. The A388 still runs through the town close to the centre. The town remains figuratively the "gateway to Cornwall", due to having the A30, one of the two dual carriageways into the county, pass directly next to the town.
Launceston Castle was built by Robert, Count of Mortain (half-brother of William the Conqueror) c. 1070 to control the surrounding area. Launceston was the caput of the feudal barony of Launceston and of the Earldom of Cornwall until replaced by Lostwithiel in the 13th century. Launceston was later the county town of Cornwall until replaced by Bodmin in 1835.

Launceston's motto "Royale et Loyale" (English translation: Royal and Loyal) is a reference to its adherence to the Cavalier cause during the English Civil War of the mid-17th century
Read More
  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The 1921 Grade II Listed War Memorial in Launceston Town Square. At the time of my visit it had become a place of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away three days earlier with many additional flowers placed around its base. Grade II Listing Description: 1st World War memorial. 1921. Granite ashlar in the style of a market cross or lantern. Octagonal plan. Gothic style. 6 steps to base, plain ashlar plinth with weathered copings; buttressed stage above with inset inscribed panels, then an open stage with traceried lights, a moulded cornice, buttress finials and radiating ribs up to central cross. The Town Square was the place of execution of the Rev Cuthberth Mayne a West Country Priest who had refused to accept Queen Elizabeth I as head of the Church of England. Though born into an Anglican family Mayne had had converted to Catholicism and after a period of imprisonment in nearby Launceston Gaol was executed on November 29, 1577. He was canonised in 1970.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The 1921 Grade II Listed War Memorial in Launceston Town Square. At the time of my visit it had become a place of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away three days earlier with many additional flowers placed around its base. Grade II Listing Description: 1st World War memorial. 1921. Granite ashlar in the style of a market cross or lantern. Octagonal plan. Gothic style. 6 steps to base, plain ashlar plinth with weathered copings; buttressed stage above with inset inscribed panels, then an open stage with traceried lights, a moulded cornice, buttress finials and radiating ribs up to central cross. The Town Square was the place of execution of the Rev Cuthberth Mayne a West Country Priest who had refused to accept Queen Elizabeth I as head of the Church of England. Though born into an Anglican family Mayne had had converted to Catholicism and after a period of imprisonment in nearby Launceston Gaol was executed on November 29, 1577. He was canonised in 1970.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The 1921 Grade II Listed War Memorial in Launceston Town Square. At the time of my visit it had become a place of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away three days earlier with many additional flowers placed around its base. Grade II Listing Description: 1st World War memorial. 1921. Granite ashlar in the style of a market cross or lantern. Octagonal plan. Gothic style. 6 steps to base, plain ashlar plinth with weathered copings; buttressed stage above with inset inscribed panels, then an open stage with traceried lights, a moulded cornice, buttress finials and radiating ribs up to central cross. The Town Square was the place of execution of the Rev Cuthberth Mayne a West Country Priest who had refused to accept Queen Elizabeth I as head of the Church of England. Though born into an Anglican family Mayne had had converted to Catholicism and after a period of imprisonment in nearby Launceston Gaol was executed on November 29, 1577. He was canonised in 1970.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The 1921 Grade II Listed War Memorial in Launceston Town Square. At the time of my visit it had become a place of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away three days earlier with many additional flowers placed around its base. Grade II Listing Description: 1st World War memorial. 1921. Granite ashlar in the style of a market cross or lantern. Octagonal plan. Gothic style. 6 steps to base, plain ashlar plinth with weathered copings; buttressed stage above with inset inscribed panels, then an open stage with traceried lights, a moulded cornice, buttress finials and radiating ribs up to central cross. The Town Square was the place of execution of the Rev Cuthberth Mayne a West Country Priest who had refused to accept Queen Elizabeth I as head of the Church of England. Though born into an Anglican family Mayne had had converted to Catholicism and after a period of imprisonment in nearby Launceston Gaol was executed on November 29, 1577. He was canonised in 1970.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The 1921 Grade II Listed War Memorial in Launceston Town Square. At the time of my visit it had become a place of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who had passed away three days earlier with many additional flowers placed around its base. Grade II Listing Description: 1st World War memorial. 1921. Granite ashlar in the style of a market cross or lantern. Octagonal plan. Gothic style. 6 steps to base, plain ashlar plinth with weathered copings; buttressed stage above with inset inscribed panels, then an open stage with traceried lights, a moulded cornice, buttress finials and radiating ribs up to central cross. The Town Square was the place of execution of the Rev Cuthberth Mayne a West Country Priest who had refused to accept Queen Elizabeth I as head of the Church of England. Though born into an Anglican family Mayne had had converted to Catholicism and after a period of imprisonment in nearby Launceston Gaol was executed on November 29, 1577. He was canonised in 1970.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    The Grade II Listed White Hart Hotel in Launceston Square. It is a large 18th Century hotel incorporating mid C12 doorway reputedly from Priory of Saint Thomas but more likely from Launceston Castle. Painted brick, probably on rubble, front with mid-floor band above ground floor and shallow segmental arches; dry Delabole hipped roof with modillion cornice and brick end stacks; small central roof-light. Double-depth plan plus wings ranged around a courtyard infilled in C20. 3 storeys; symmetrical 5-window front (2nd floor). Late C19 paired horned 2-pane sashes exept for single sash to centre of 2nd floor; central doorway with moulded hood over Norman doorway of volcanic stone with 2 orders of nook shafts and round-arched frieze of lozenges to outer order; C18 studded door. INTERIOR: features include C18 moulded ceiling cornice to front right-hand room and entrance hall and c1800 open-well staircase with open string, stick balusters and ramped mahogany handrail, wreathed over newel, with C20 cap. (notes from Historic England)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    View down Church Street, Launceston

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston's 13th century Grade 1 listed Southgate Arch, the only gate in the town walls out of 3 to remain. The room above the arch is 16th century and houses an art gallery. The castelation was added in the 19th century The arch as with the town of Launceston itself is often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall".

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston's 13th century Grade 1 listed Southgate Arch, the only gate in the town walls out of 3 to remain. The room above the arch is 16th century and houses an art gallery. The castelation was added in the 19th century The arch as with the town of Launceston itself is often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall".

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston's 13th century Grade 1 listed Southgate Arch, the only gate in the town walls out of 3 to remain. The room above the arch is 16th century and houses an art gallery. The castelation was added in the 19th century The arch as with the town of Launceston itself is often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall".

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston's 13th century Grade 1 listed Southgate Arch, the only gate in the town walls out of 3 to remain. The room above the arch is 16th century and houses an art gallery. The castelation was added in the 19th century The arch as with the town of Launceston itself is often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall".

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene. The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The church was under the management of Launceston Priory. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511 to 1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539 the management transferred to the Corporation who took on the responsibility of appointing curates and repairs to the building. Around 1550, the lead work needed repair, and the Corporation employed a plumber to recast and relay it. In 1640 the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows. In 1718 a west end gallery was built to increase the accommodation available at services. Iron railings were purchased in 1809 from the Tavistock Foundry, at a cost of £222 8s. 3d. (equivalent to £17,200 in 2021). Following an appeal for scrap metal, the iron railings were removed at the start of the Second World War. In 1852 the pillars of the church were straightened and the roof was replaced. The plans for the work were prepared by D. Barton Esq, and the contact undertaken by Messrs Gill and Ede, builders of Launceston. The organ was dismantled and cleaned by two local townsmen, Messrs Geake and Lane. The church re-opened for worship on 28 December 1852 in the presence of the Mayor, Justices and other members of the corporation. It was restored in 1894 at a cost of £3,000 (equivalent to £363,400 in 2021) under the plans of John Dando Sedding, but he died before the work could be carried out, and it was managed by Edmund Harold Sedding and Henry Wilson. A side chapel was added to the south aisle of the church. New seating was provided in the north and south aisles, and oak benches provided for the centre aisles. New choirs stalls were also provided, wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons, Stoke-under-Ham, Illminster. Stonework was done by William Burt of Newport, Launceston. The organ was moved to its present location in 1904. The gallery was taken down in 1910. A new chancel screen 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth was dedicated in 1911 to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.It cost £600. (Information: Wikipedia)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene. The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The church was under the management of Launceston Priory. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511 to 1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539 the management transferred to the Corporation who took on the responsibility of appointing curates and repairs to the building. Around 1550, the lead work needed repair, and the Corporation employed a plumber to recast and relay it. In 1640 the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows. In 1718 a west end gallery was built to increase the accommodation available at services. Iron railings were purchased in 1809 from the Tavistock Foundry, at a cost of £222 8s. 3d. (equivalent to £17,200 in 2021). Following an appeal for scrap metal, the iron railings were removed at the start of the Second World War. In 1852 the pillars of the church were straightened and the roof was replaced. The plans for the work were prepared by D. Barton Esq, and the contact undertaken by Messrs Gill and Ede, builders of Launceston. The organ was dismantled and cleaned by two local townsmen, Messrs Geake and Lane. The church re-opened for worship on 28 December 1852 in the presence of the Mayor, Justices and other members of the corporation. It was restored in 1894 at a cost of £3,000 (equivalent to £363,400 in 2021) under the plans of John Dando Sedding, but he died before the work could be carried out, and it was managed by Edmund Harold Sedding and Henry Wilson. A side chapel was added to the south aisle of the church. New seating was provided in the north and south aisles, and oak benches provided for the centre aisles. New choirs stalls were also provided, wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons, Stoke-under-Ham, Illminster. Stonework was done by William Burt of Newport, Launceston. The organ was moved to its present location in 1904. The gallery was taken down in 1910. A new chancel screen 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth was dedicated in 1911 to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.It cost £600. (Information: Wikipedia)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene. The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The church was under the management of Launceston Priory. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511 to 1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539 the management transferred to the Corporation who took on the responsibility of appointing curates and repairs to the building. Around 1550, the lead work needed repair, and the Corporation employed a plumber to recast and relay it. In 1640 the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows. In 1718 a west end gallery was built to increase the accommodation available at services. Iron railings were purchased in 1809 from the Tavistock Foundry, at a cost of £222 8s. 3d. (equivalent to £17,200 in 2021). Following an appeal for scrap metal, the iron railings were removed at the start of the Second World War. In 1852 the pillars of the church were straightened and the roof was replaced. The plans for the work were prepared by D. Barton Esq, and the contact undertaken by Messrs Gill and Ede, builders of Launceston. The organ was dismantled and cleaned by two local townsmen, Messrs Geake and Lane. The church re-opened for worship on 28 December 1852 in the presence of the Mayor, Justices and other members of the corporation. It was restored in 1894 at a cost of £3,000 (equivalent to £363,400 in 2021) under the plans of John Dando Sedding, but he died before the work could be carried out, and it was managed by Edmund Harold Sedding and Henry Wilson. A side chapel was added to the south aisle of the church. New seating was provided in the north and south aisles, and oak benches provided for the centre aisles. New choirs stalls were also provided, wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons, Stoke-under-Ham, Illminster. Stonework was done by William Burt of Newport, Launceston. The organ was moved to its present location in 1904. The gallery was taken down in 1910. A new chancel screen 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth was dedicated in 1911 to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.It cost £600. (Information: Wikipedia)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene. The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The church was under the management of Launceston Priory. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511 to 1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539 the management transferred to the Corporation who took on the responsibility of appointing curates and repairs to the building. Around 1550, the lead work needed repair, and the Corporation employed a plumber to recast and relay it. In 1640 the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows. In 1718 a west end gallery was built to increase the accommodation available at services. Iron railings were purchased in 1809 from the Tavistock Foundry, at a cost of £222 8s. 3d. (equivalent to £17,200 in 2021). Following an appeal for scrap metal, the iron railings were removed at the start of the Second World War. In 1852 the pillars of the church were straightened and the roof was replaced. The plans for the work were prepared by D. Barton Esq, and the contact undertaken by Messrs Gill and Ede, builders of Launceston. The organ was dismantled and cleaned by two local townsmen, Messrs Geake and Lane. The church re-opened for worship on 28 December 1852 in the presence of the Mayor, Justices and other members of the corporation. It was restored in 1894 at a cost of £3,000 (equivalent to £363,400 in 2021) under the plans of John Dando Sedding, but he died before the work could be carried out, and it was managed by Edmund Harold Sedding and Henry Wilson. A side chapel was added to the south aisle of the church. New seating was provided in the north and south aisles, and oak benches provided for the centre aisles. New choirs stalls were also provided, wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons, Stoke-under-Ham, Illminster. Stonework was done by William Burt of Newport, Launceston. The organ was moved to its present location in 1904. The gallery was taken down in 1910. A new chancel screen 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth was dedicated in 1911 to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.It cost £600. (Information: Wikipedia)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene. The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The church was under the management of Launceston Priory. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511 to 1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539 the management transferred to the Corporation who took on the responsibility of appointing curates and repairs to the building. Around 1550, the lead work needed repair, and the Corporation employed a plumber to recast and relay it. In 1640 the Mayor paid for new glass for the church windows. In 1718 a west end gallery was built to increase the accommodation available at services. Iron railings were purchased in 1809 from the Tavistock Foundry, at a cost of £222 8s. 3d. (equivalent to £17,200 in 2021). Following an appeal for scrap metal, the iron railings were removed at the start of the Second World War. In 1852 the pillars of the church were straightened and the roof was replaced. The plans for the work were prepared by D. Barton Esq, and the contact undertaken by Messrs Gill and Ede, builders of Launceston. The organ was dismantled and cleaned by two local townsmen, Messrs Geake and Lane. The church re-opened for worship on 28 December 1852 in the presence of the Mayor, Justices and other members of the corporation. It was restored in 1894 at a cost of £3,000 (equivalent to £363,400 in 2021) under the plans of John Dando Sedding, but he died before the work could be carried out, and it was managed by Edmund Harold Sedding and Henry Wilson. A side chapel was added to the south aisle of the church. New seating was provided in the north and south aisles, and oak benches provided for the centre aisles. New choirs stalls were also provided, wood carving was done by Charles Trask and Sons, Stoke-under-Ham, Illminster. Stonework was done by William Burt of Newport, Launceston. The organ was moved to its present location in 1904. The gallery was taken down in 1910. A new chancel screen 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide by Rashleigh Pinwill of Plymouth was dedicated in 1911 to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.It cost £600. (Information: Wikipedia)

  • Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - September 11, 2022

    Eagle House Hotel Originally built in the 18th Century as the home for the Constable of Launceston Castle. The hotel is located near the North Gate of the Castle. The building is Grade II* Listed. Large detached town house. 1764 for Coryndon Carpenter. Red brick laid to Flemish bond with stuccoed channelled rustications to basement, quoins and projecting keys to nearly flat arches and stuccoed porch; dry Delabole slate hipped roof with modillioned pediment and eaves cornices; large brick axial stack, another stack on right; gabled roof dormers to side elevations. Double-depth square plan. 2 storeys plus attics over basement; symmetrical 1:3:1-bay front with central open-pedimented bays broken forward. Keyed oculus to tympanum; pedimented surmounted by central Grecian-style figure flanked by arms. Original hornless sashes with thick glazing bars. Central late C19 porch, with Venetian style window with Ionic columns and entablature with modillions and moulded cornice over original basement window; side doors approached by pair of dog-leg staircases with oval-pierced balustrades with moulded strings and handrails and square newels. Rear, later stuccoed, has 2 canted bays and later sashes. Left-hand return has early C19 canted bay with its original sashes.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    St Thomas’ Church stands on the site of a former Augustine Priory and possesses a Norman Font. It was constructed in 1482 and restored in 1871. Viewed through the church yard.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    St Thomas' Church Yard on the left is the grave of the noted Cornish poet Charles Causley who was born in a cottage close to the church around 100 yards away.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    St Thomas’ Church stands on the site of a former Augustine Priory and possesses a Norman Font. It was constructed in 1482 and restored in 1871.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    The 15th Century St. Thomas's Bridge also known as the Priors' Bridge which spans the River Kensey at Launceston.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    The 15th Century St. Thomas's Bridge also known as the Priors' Bridge which spans the River Kensey at Launceston.

  • Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    Launceston, Cornwall - April 26, 2022

    The 15th Century St. Thomas's Bridge also known as the Priors' Bridge which spans the River Kensey at Launceston.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.