St Catherine's Castle

St Catherine's Castle in Fowey, Cornwall, is a D-shaped Henrician stone fortification built between 1538 and 1540 by Thomas Treffry in response to invasion threats from France and the Holy Roman Empire. The castle's five gun-ports were equipped to defend the mouth of the River Fowey against naval attack. During the English Civil War, it was held by Royalist supporters, and it was subsequently modified during the Crimean War and World War II. Free entry and accessible on foot from Readymoney Cove, the castle requires a three-quarter-mile walk via Ready Money Beach from the car park. Now managed by English Heritage, it remains an atmospheric coastal landmark showcasing Tudor military architecture.