Places of Interest

1 The Medieval Bridge

The Medieval Bridge stands at the site of the original crossing. The river was first bridged by the Normans, rebuilt in 13th-14th centuries and repaired and kept in use ever since. It has been the scene of many notable and emotional occasions, including the arrival of the Black Prince and his retinue to hold Court at Restormel Castle in 1354, and the dispatch by the angry citizens of the defeated Parliamentary army in 1644. The foundations of four western arches are buried under North Street. The eastern arches were added as the river changed course.

2. The Duchy Palace

The Duchy Palace originally covered two acres of land and reached along the quay as far as the archway. All County affairs and the tin industry were controlled from here, including the County Courts, Treasury, Maritime offices, the Stannary Parliament, smelting, coinage and assaying of tin and the stannary prison. The complex was badly damaged by Parliamentary soldiers during the Siege of Lostwithiel, 1644. The Convocation Hall at the corner of Quay Street is best preserved and carries the emblem of the Black Prince at the apex of the eastern gable.

3. Saint Bartholomew's Church

The Church dedicated in honour of Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of tanners, was built near to the original river crossing. The 13th century tower was added to the church, which was itself rebuilt in 14th century, when the limn lantern was added to the tower.

The spire has been replaced more than once. The lean-to aisles, Breton in design, are unusual in Cornwall. The Church was desecrated during the Civil War, when it was used to stable horses. It is said that one was christened 'Charles' by Parliamentary soldiers.

4. Restormel Castle

Restormel Castle is on a spur overlooking the river Fowey. The Norman motte arid bailey' castle was rebuilt in the late 13th century as a prestigious residence for Edmund, Earl of Cornwall. After Edmund, it was only lived in occasionally, and fell into disrepair. The splendid deer park was disparked by Henry VIII. The castle was held briefly by the Parliamentarians in 1644, until it was captured by Grenville for the Royalists. The views from the ramparts are magnificent.

5. Taprell House

Taprell House built in the late 16th century, possibly using stone taken from Restormel Castle, was the home of the Mayor during the Siege of Lostwithiel. The building is now shared by the Library and the Methodist Church.

6. Edgcumbe House

Edgcumbe House A Georgian extension to Taprell House was built by Lord Edgcumbe in the 1740s as his town house. It now houses the Mayor's Parlour and the Town Clerk's office. A dower house was built next door for the Dowager Lady Ecigcumbe.

7. Lostwithiel Grammar School

The Grammar School built in 1781, also served as a Market Hall and Assembly Rooms. Only the facade remains, in 1981 flats for the elderly were built in its place.

(Grammar School Photograph © Copyright Humphrey Bolton and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.)

8. Lostwithiel Museum

The Museum is housed in the Georgian Corn Exchange and the adjoining, older Town Gaol. It has an interesting collection of artifacts, all given by local people. The collection of photographs depicts the social history of the town since the early days of photography. The Museum also publishes a local history journal three times a year, and sells a number of booklets of local interest. The Guildhall above the museum is now the Town Council Chamber, is opened by appointment.

9. The Lime Kilns

The Lime Kilns provided fertilizer for local farmers until the early 20th century.

10. The Cornwall Railway Carriage Works

Designed by I. K. Brunel, these buildings have been converted into housing and office accommodation. Our local Dentist is now housed in spacious surrounding in the Old Maintenance Depot.

11. Coulson Park and Second Island Park

The two riverside parks, to the north and south of the town, provide tranquil surroundings for walking, fishing and observing wild life.

12. The Community Centre

The Community Centre is run by and for the local community. The Tourist Information Centre is housed here.

Each week, throughout the summer season, there are guided tours of the town, starting from the Community Centre. Details from here 01208 872 207.

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