The South Gatehouse Of Launceston Castle And Attached Buildings

The South Gatehouse of Launceston Castle, along with its attached curtain walls and barbican, dates back to the 12th century and was remodelled in the 13th century by Richard of Cornwall. It is constructed from local slatestone rubble, with dressings made of local greenstone and volcanic stone. Only the east wall from the 12th century remains. The gatehouse is flanked by two 13th-century drum towers, which are connected to a short section of curtain wall on the east side, leading to the site of the former Watch Tower or Witches Tower that collapsed in 1830. On the west side, there is a longer section of curtain wall that encloses about half of the Bailey. In front of the gateway, there are flanking walls featuring two blocked angled arches that were part of the former fortified bridge leading to the Deer Park. Notable features include a two-centred arched gateway with remnants of a portcullis slot on the right, two arrow loops in the bridge walls, a central window opening above the doorway, and remains of a stone staircase on the right.