St Catherine's Castle

St Catherine’s Castle, overlooking the mouth of the River Fowey, is one of the smallest yet most evocative artillery forts built during the reign of Henry VIII. Constructed in the 1540s as part of a nationwide coastal defence network, it was designed to protect Fowey Harbour from potential French and Spanish attacks. Despite its modest size, the fort played a strategic role for centuries, later being adapted during the Napoleonic Wars and even reused in the Second World War. Inside the site, visitors can explore the compact two‑storey gun tower, where cannon once guarded the estuary. The lower level, with its thick stone walls and narrow openings, shows how artillery was positioned to fire across the water. The upper floor offers views toward Readymoney Cove and the wider coastline, revealing why the location was chosen for defence. One of the most interesting features is the nearby World War II battery, where concrete gun emplacements and shelters illustrate the fort’s continued military relevance. Though small, St Catherine’s Castle offers a powerful glimpse into Cornwall’s layered defensive history.