St. Catherine's Castle

 

St. Catherine's Castle

A small, coastal fort built in the 16th century by Henry VIII, St. Catherine's Castle was just one of a series of fortifications intended to defend the south of England in the event of a French or Spanish invasion.

A small artillery fort, St. Catherine's Castle was built to defend Fowey's Harbour. The two-storey fort was fitted with gun ports at ground level. Just below is a gun battery for two guns added in 1855 during the Crimean War. The only action ever to be seen at St. Catherine's Castle was as a practice battery in the 19th century. During WWII it was again refortified with an emplacement dug out at St. Catherine's Point.

St. Catherine's Castle is the best surviving fortification in Fowey. If not for its historic value, St Catherine's Castle is a delight to visit simply for the wonderful views over the Fowey Estuary. A free attraction, St. Catherine's Castle is accessible from a path leading up from the beach at Readymoney Cove.
St. Catherine's Castle Photo