Star Castle |
| Hob Uid: 1482605 | |
Location :
Isles of Scilly
St. Mary's
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| Grid Ref : SV8991801064 |
| Summary : Eight-pointed star fort surrounded by a dry moat, was built in 1593-4. The outer walls, about 5.5m high, have an entrance from a short flight of steps to a small bridge, giving access to a projecting gate-tower. The inner building, of two stories plus basement and attics, fomerly used as a military HQ, prison and at present an hotel, is "the most important building architecturally and historically in the Isles of Scilly." The main fort in a defensive system built under Francis Godolphin to counter the threat posed by the Spanish after the 1588 Armada. With its outer bastions and walls, Star Castle comprises an important and complete example of an Elizabethan fort built to a Renaissance plan. Notable prisoners included Dr.Bastwick (1637) and Sir John Ireton (1662). Star Castle was converted into an hotel in 1933 but served as military HQ again during the Second World War. |
More information : A small eight-pointed, star-shaped fort set within similarly shaped outer defences surrounded by a deep, dry ditch, built 1593-4. In form it is an updated version of a Henrician fort with pointed angles instead of rounded bastions. The central building, which is 2 storied with attic and basement, contained the domestic accommodation. Around this is a narrow passage and a series of outbuildings which serve as a base for the rampart; joints in the parapet indicate the locations of 8 gun positions, which are supplemented by musketry loops. The Castle is entered from the N through a square-headed, moulded door with the date 1593 on its lintel; this door gives access to a passage protected by a gun position and a portcullis added about 1600. before the Castle was finished it was realised that it was inadequate alone to defend St Mary's and the first length of the Garrison Walls were added. The ditch around the Castle is about 1.5m deep but no counterscarp can be seen. The Castle was the HQ for the Royalist garrison of the Isles during the Civil Wars of the 17th century and was subsequently HQ for The Garrison throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1933 it became a hotel but it was requisitioned temporarily as military HQ for the Islands 1940-44. (1-2)
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