Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England
Search:
Explore England
Pictures of Lostwithiel
in the county of Cornwall
About Lostwithiel
The town was founded by the Normans who thought it to be an ideal place from which to export the tin from the local tin mines. 800 years ago the river was generously wide and of a depth suited to the large sea going vessels used for shipping cargos of tin to foriegn ports. The growth of the tin trade meant prosperity for the town and it's people and the port quickly earned the reputation of being the busiest port along this stretch of coastline. Activities continued right up to the 16th-century when navigation up the river as far as Lostwithiel bridge was possible. There are remains of Quays still to be found in this area.
It was the Earls of Cornwall who were responsible for the development of Lostwithiel and Earl Edmund is known to have talked in lyrical terms of the beauty of Lostwithiel. Some very fine buildings still remain as a legacy from this great age.
The town is known to have taken a battering during the Civil War when it was occupied by the Parliamentarians. The Royalists laid siege during the late summer of 1644 and the Parliamentarians were ousted but not before causing much damage to town and people. Restormel Castle was also held but as with the town, the castle was quickly regained by the Royalists. The towns-people were left devastated, but the sturdy cornishmen, with encouragement from the Earls of Cornwall, soon set about rebuilding the town.
The beautiful medieval bridge still spans the River Fowey and the parish church of St. Bartholomew, built in the 13th-century, retains its original spire with octagnol windowed base called a lantern, that was added a century later. There are many grand buildings of which the 18th-century Grammer School in Queen Street, is one of the finest of it's period. Duchy House, dates 14th-century and includes the remains of Stanary court. There are some very fine examples of Georgian architecture in Fore Street.
Lostwithiel Museum is housed in the old Corn Exchange and here the visitor can learn a little of life in these parts over the past two centuries. The beautiful National Trust property of Lanhydrock House is but a short distance away. This house reflects the lifestyle of Victorian gentry and is well worth a visit. The house is open throughout the season but remains closed from October 31st to March 31st. The magnificent grounds to the house can be visited throughout the year.
Being not far from the coast, stunning scenery is all around and there are some very pretty villages close-by, Lerryn, St. Winnow, Milltown and Lanreath are all worth a visit. This whole area is steeped in ancient myths and legends, pop into any local inn and you will find friendly locals all happy to entertain you with tales of bygone days.
Take a picture tour of Lostwithiel or book Lostwithiel accommodation
Related Articles
| 10 of the Best Castles to visit in Cornwall | by poe |
Other nearby recommended towns & villages..
Bodmin (122 Pictures)
in the county of Cornwall
(4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction N of Lostwithiel)Historically fascinating and naturally beautiful, this area of North Cornwall has so much to offer. Equidistant from both the north and south coasts, Bodmin is an excellent base.....
Fowey (101 Pictures)
a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall
(5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction S of Lostwithiel)The picturesque harbour town of Fowey has a history as colourful as some of the pretty boats sailing in and out of its waters...
Charlestown (121 Pictures)
in the county of Cornwall
(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction SW of Lostwithiel)This lovely little port hugs the rugged south Cornish coast overlooking picturesque St. Austell Bay...
Polperro (212 Pictures)
a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall
(8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction SE of Lostwithiel)Jagged rocks rise as if to guard the entrance to the picturesque harbour of this enchanting fishing village which has for decades been a magnet for tourists and a mecca for artists from all over England...
Looe (219 Pictures)
a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall
(10.5 miles, 16.8 km, direction E of Lostwithiel)In far off medieval times both East and West Looe were granted a charter and each retained its own identity for several centuries...
All towns in CornwallComplete A to Z of towns in England
Nearby attractions..
Restormel Castle (45 Pictures)
(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)Built around 1300, once home to Edward, the Black Prince, the great circular shell-keep survives in good condition and is the.....
Lanhydrock House (67 Pictures)
(2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction N)Magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate...
The Eden Project (182 Pictures)
(4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction SW)This is a joyous celebration of precious plant life established as a millennium project to mark the birth of the 21st century. .....
Bodmin & Wenford Railway (21 Pictures)
(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction N)This railway is Cornwall's only standard gauge railway still operated by steam locomotives and the trains run through some.....
Porfell Animal Land (26 Pictures)
(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction E)http://www.porfellanimalland.co.uk/..
The Shire Hall (2 Pictures)
(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction N)This beautifully preserved building is one of Cornwall's gems from the 19th-century. The Shire Hall was built in 1838 and shows.....
St. Catherine's Castle (18 Pictures)
(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction S)..
All attractions in Lostwithiel
All attractions in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of attractions in England
South Coast Campsites - Your best guide to camping and caravanning along the beautiful south coast of England