Lydford Castle was built in 1195 at a reported cost of £32 (Thirty two UK pounds). There is one huge stark keep, 50 feet square with walls more than ten feet thick. The castle gives the appearance of being built atop a small hill, but actually it is a three-story tower with the first level buried by a grass-covered mound piled around it.

The structure was originally a royal castle. It was awarded by King John in 1216 and also by King Henry III in 1337 as part of an Earldom. After that it served as a courthouse where the Tin Mining courts were held. A hundred years later this intimidating and very nasty place became a prison. One wonders if the builders knew its ultimate use.

The castle is located very near St. Petrock’s church. The churchyard and the castle are wonderful places to explore and to take one back in history for a short time.