Launceston

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Launceston is literally the gateway to Cornwall being the first principal town encountered on crossing the Tamar River border which separates Cornwall from Devon.

The town was in existence before the Norman conquest and is believed to have been founded by Eadulphus the brother of Alpsius, Duke of Devon and Cornwall.

Before 1067, by Count Robert of Mortain made Launceston the capital of Cornwall, a title which it retained until 1838. It is today an impressive and picturesque town retaining many historical features including the remains of its Norman castle built around 1067, a castellated medieval South gate and the Church of St Thomas which is all that remains of the Augustinian Priory which was founded here in 1136.

Launceston is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Dunheved being worth £4 and having two mills which paid 40 shillings. Launceston was granted a charter in 1173 by Reginald Earl of Cornwall.

Launceston was originally centred on what is now St Stephen, in Cornish, Lan Stefan, where the church is still dedicated to St Stephen. Today the centre of the town is based around the Norman stronghold of Dunheved and the Church of St Mary Magdalene which was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel.

General Information

Launceston offers an excellent range of local facilities including a wide range of accommodation.

Location:
In North Cornwall. Easily accesssed from the main A30 trunk road between Okehampton and Bodmin.

IntoCornwall Area Map Bodmin Moor Area

Road directions to Launceston

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Launceston

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