Launceston
Launceston is the gateway to Cornwall, with its Georgian houses, intricately carved church, narrow streets and market square it is a delightful rural town offering a range of shops and services. The Lawrence House Museum showcases the town's history, from the Bronze Age to World War II and standing proud over the town is the Norman castle. The castle at Launceston dominates the surrounding landscape - perched on top of a large, natural mound, this was the ultimate status symbol of Middle Age wealth and power.
Originally known as Dunheved, the castle was an impressive and strategically important building that controlled the river crossing in and out of Cornwall.
In Saxon times the town was the site of a Royal Mint. By the 12th century the town itself had become walled (the only walled town in Cornwall) and for centuries the Assizes were housed here, both in the castle itself and Guildhall in the town.
The Prince of Wales comes to Launceston once in his lifetime as Duke of Cornwall to receive the feudal dues which are his right within the Duch of Cornwall. Launceston has been and still is an important market centre; the rights to hold such markets were among the privileges granted by Royal Charter. All around Launceston the area oozes history and is dotted with villages and hamlets set amid open fields - it is quite literally a delight for the visitor and walker.
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