Pendennis and St.Mawes: A Historical Sketch of Two Cornish Castles

Oliver, Samuel Pasfield

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0907566901 ISBN 13: 9780907566908

Publisher: Truran, 1985

In 1873, Captain Pasfield Oliver of the Royal Artillery was quartered with the then active garrisons of Pendennis and St Mawes. In what he refers to in his preface as 'the long dull winter evenings' he diligently researched the history of these twin fortresses, which for nearly 450 years have faced each other across the waters of Falmouth harbour. His work resulted in a fascinating insight, not only into the building of the castles and of previous fortifications, but also into their manning by the military right up to the time his book was completed. This facsimile edition of the original publications, complete with reproductions of the engravings that illustrated the text, provides a uniquely detailed account of two famous Cornish landmarks which will be appreciated by all who have an interest in the history of Cornwall.