Launceston is a beautiful and historic town, whose ancient core is filled with some of the most important architecture in Cornwall. This is perhaps unsurprising when one learns that this small, unspoilt town was once capital of the Duchy.
The Normans started work on a castle here soon after the Conquest. Its famously round keep was built in the 13th century by Earl Richard, brother of Henry III and one of the most powerful men in Europe.
Nearby Castle Street is home to what Sir John Betjeman called, “the most perfect collection of 18th century town houses in Cornwall.” One of them is now the Eagle House Hotel, whose twin eagle statues were written about by Charles Causley. Another, Lawrence House, is the town’s museum.
The town square is surrounded by listed buildings, dating back to Tudor times and beyond. The White Hart Inn has a doorway plundered from the 12th century priory.
Explore the narrow lanes and alleys leaving the square to view the treasures of the past. St Mary Magdalene Church, also written about by Charles Causley, is one of the finest churches in the country. Founded by Edward, the Black Prince, the church is noted for its unique exterior carvings.
A curious legend attached to the church, involves landing a stone on a statue and winning a new suit!
Guided walks, by local writers and historians including Arthur Wills, Jane Nancarrow and Robert Tremain will take place during the 3-day festival.
All guided walks are free, or enjoy a quiet individual stroll in the summer sun – a fine way to enjoy Launceston’s world-class architectural heritage. Pick up a town map at Launceston Tourist Information Centre.
The Causley Way: A Walk through his home town of Launceston
Charles Causley wrote many poems which were either directly about features in his home town of Launceston or which were set in specific locations within the town.If you are visiting Launceston, this walk, which is on good paths with a few gentle inclines (Launceston is not a flat town!), will take you about one hour, including stops to read the poems.
1. Mary, Mary Magdalene (CP 238) tells of a local custom.
At the east end you will find the relief of a reclining Mary on the wall. Go around to the main porch. Above the porch you will see the Trecarell family crest.
1. Mary, Mary Magdalene (CP 238)
tells of a local custom. At the east end you will find the relief of a reclining Mary on the wall. Go around to the main porch. Above the porch you will see the Trecarell family crest.
2. A Ballad of Sir Henry Trecarell (CP 60)
For an optional detour, walk past the tower down the slope and turn right at the top of the car park. Enter another car park and walk over to the right of the toilet block. You will find a short set of steps. Go down these and turn left along the pathway. Before the descent starts, look over the road and you will see the entrance to Launceston’s famous footpath Zig-Zag.
3. As I went down zig-zag (IHALC 150) A children’s rhyme
The path Zig-Zag was reopened with due ceremony in 2007 after a period of closure. Return to the church and turn right down the hill. Facing you is Eagle House Hotel.
4. Eagle one, eagle two (CP 211)
is a reference to the two eagles resting on the entrance to the Eagle House Hotel. Turn left and continue up the slope to the grounds of Launceston Castle
5. On Launceston Castle (CP 286)
The castle grounds are the setting for ...
6. Mr Pennycomequick (IHALC 353)
A children’s poem. Walk across the castle green to the wall overlooking the road. Look down on the field opposite which was once allotments. This is the setting for
7. In the Willow Gardens (IHALC 431)
Look further down the road and you can see the building of the National School where Causley was educated as a young boy and where he taught for most of his working life. A teacher is described in ...
8. Pepper and Salt (IHALC 35)
Return to the main path and leave the castle through the West Gate. Opposite you are the Town Hall and Guildhall with the two quarter-jacks set into the front face of the tower.
9. The Quarter-jacks (IHALC 20)
Turn left up the slope towards the town square. The White Hart Inn with its Norman Porch is the setting for
