See how St Mawes Castle changed between 1900 and 2024. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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## St Mawes Castle
In 1539, John Arundell petitioned Henry VIII to fortify the Fal estuary, leading to the construction of St Mawes Castle between 1540 and 1542. Designed by Thomas Treffry, the castle features a central tower surrounded by three circular bastions, forming a clover-leaf shape. Initially armed with 19 artillery pieces, it worked alongside Pendennis Castle to defend the Carrick Roads waterway. During the English Civil War, Royalist forces held the castle until its surrender to Parliamentary troops in 1646. In the 19th century, the castle underwent significant redevelopment, including the addition of a Grand Sea Battery in the 1850s and modern artillery in the 1880s and 1890s. During World War II, it was re-garrisoned, with twin 6-pounder guns installed on the shoreline. After the war, the castle ceased military operations and became a tourist attraction, now managed by English Heritage. (english-heritage.org.uk)
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