Polruan Castle

Polruan Castle is a blockhouse, now a maintained ruin, built around 1540 and last used in 1666. It was one of Henry VIII’s fortifications designed to guard the entrance to the Fowey River and was once connected to a similar blockhouse on the opposite side of the river by a large chain. The structure is constructed of rubble stone with ashlar dressings. Following the loss of its floors and roof, the castle now stands as a shell, with a square plan and three stories. The original entrance is located on the south-east side, featuring a chamfered round-headed arch, with a small rectangular loop embrasure to the right and three above. A portion of the oversailing parapet remains on the south corner. Other faces retain small rectangular embrasures, including two stone mullioned windows on the north-east and a musket-loop on the north-west. Remnants of stone newel stairs are visible on the east and south sides, and steps ascend from the headland on the west. A fireplace with a slate lintel can be seen on the first floor. The castle is now owned by the Polruan Town Trust and is designated as an Ancient Monument.