The group visited Restormel Castle for our July meeting curtesy of English Heritage who allow groups from u3a to visit their sites for free. The visit was enjoyed by all and several members then walked across the valley to the Duchy Garden Centre for lunch (highly recommended)

Lying at the heart of Cornwall, Restormel is one of the most remarkable castles in Britain. The present circular structure, built in the late 13th century, was a luxurious retreat for its medieval owners, with a large hunting park. In the 14th century the Black Prince, Edward III’s son, stayed there twice. At this time Restormel and nearby Lostwithiel were a centre for the highly lucrative tin industry, from which the Duchy of Cornwall drew much of its wealth.

Ruined since the 16th century, the castle was briefly garrisoned by a Parliamentarian army during the Civil War.