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In Saxon times, the Mint, a College of Secular Canons and the market were at St Stephens. Soon after the Norman Conquest, the castle was built, at which time Count Robert of Mortain moved the market across the valley to Dunheved, and so Launceston was born. In 1126 a Priory of Augustinian canons was founded by the river Kensey at Newport. During the Civil War, Launceston became highly prized by both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, due to its strategic position between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor and near where the river Tamar can be more easily crossed. Later, during the Napoleonic wars, Launceston was a Parole town and numerous prisoners were billeted in Castle Street. The first two Bible Christian Conferences (1819 and 1820) were held at Badash, Launceston, at that time home of William O'Bryan, the founder of the denomination. The County Assizes were held in Launceston until their removal to Bodmin in 1838. Launceston also has a rich architectural heritage, St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, the Southgate Arch, Mayor Thomas Hicks' House in the Square, the Bell Inn, Georgian Castle Street, and various other buildings, forming an integral part of the streetscape. Prior to the 1832 Reform Act, Launceston returned four Members to Parliament. programme directions map booking mug poster Return to main Launceston page
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Launceston, the only walled town in Cornwall, is dominated by its Norman Castle, which overlooks fertile agricultural land bordering the river Tamar, Cornwall's boundary, a mile or so away. The town's motto is Royale et Loyale, and there is no denying the town's loyalty or its singular history. Beyond dispute is the fact that Launceston is the capital of Cornwall. This is proven by a Charter, granted by Philip and Mary and dated 1555, stating the fact, and it has never been rescinded.