© irene waters 2014
The word relic originates in English from around the 17th century coming from the old French relique which in turn came from the Latin reliquiae and of course means an object, person or thing that has survived from an earlier time.
Restormel Castle located one and half miles from the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall is one of four Norman castles still in existence and is notable due to its perfectly round design. Built in the 12th century it is a relic which predates the English form of the word.
It was originally built in the centre of a large deer park overlooking the Fowey River. It is surmised that it was probably predominantly accommodation for hunting parties but that its fortifications suggest that it may also have had a strategic purpose. It is only mentioned once as playing a part in a battle in the time of Charles I. It’s main claim to fame appears to be that the Black Prince overnighted there on a couple of occasions. It’s ownership reverted to the crown at the end of the 13th century and its state of repair steadily declined. It is now managed by the English Heritage society after King Edward VIII gave it to the state and it was classified as a Scheduled Monument.
Climbing inside the castle you not only obtain a good view of the remains of the rooms of the castle but also a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
The shadow cast from the relic demonstrates clearly the roundness of the construction and shows a moat which is in all probability deeper than it originally was. It is believed that at some point it was built up after the castle became a ruin to enable visitors to ramble easily around the outside edges.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/relic/
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Very good poat Irene:-)
LikeLike
Thanks Irene, cheers Irene 🙂
LikeLike
Cheers Irene and enjoy your weekend 🙂
LikeLike
You too Irene. XD
LikeLike
Never saw a round castle in all our travels ! Wish we had …
LikeLike
This is the only one I’ve ever seen M-R. In my diary I wrote. “Visited Restormel Castle. It is round, very round” I think I must have been struck by it’s roundness at the time.
LikeLike
I feel better.
🙂
LikeLike
This is the only one I’ve ever seen M-R. In my diary I wrote. “Visited Restormel Castle. It is round, very round” I think I must have been struck by it’s roundness at the time.
LikeLike
I’ve been thinking about going to Cornwall, and then I come across this post! It’s a sign, don’t you think? 🙂
LikeLike
Most definitely a sign. I loved my time in Cornwall. I went with a friend who had a chimney fetish and wanted to find Serpentine. We saw oodles of chimneys and found our serpentine but I really loved the quaint little towns and the coast line. Well worth a trip.
LikeLike
Oh good! Any particular recommendations on what to see or which towns to visit?
LikeLike
Certainly you have to go to Lands End. I really loved St Ives and Lizzard and the chimneys at Botallack and Penzance were great. We only had a short time and as I said we were looking for Serpentine and chimneys. I’m sure there are probably oodles more that we didn’t see. I hope to see some of your photos to see what I missed. 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve made a note to visit this castle on our way down to Mr R’s ancestral towns of Penzance and Marazion. 🙂
LikeLike
Well worth it Christine. How wonderful to have that part of the world as your ancestral home. I loved Cornwall. 🙂
LikeLike
Been to a few castles in my time throughout the length and breadth of Blighty, but never been to this one, and I’m struck by it’s roundness…very unusual. I really enjoyed reading about its history (and the meaning of the word ‘relic’) as well as your photographs. Love the one of you and hubby too! Funny, as I have one of me and hubby outside Bodhiam Castle, in West Sussex, but we are in jackets as it’s pouring down with rain!!!! Great post as always for the challenge Irene.
Have a lovely weekend my friend 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
I don’t think there are too many round castles. Not my husband though, He introduced us and was our best man. A very close friend to us both. 🙂
LikeLike
ooooops….sorry about that!!!! Lovely pic all the same though 🙂
LikeLike
That’s okay. 🙂
LikeLike
This is one area in which the U.S. is sorely lacking in historical relics – no castles! 😦
LikeLike
Also in Australia. A few people have built castles for tourist purposes but it isn’t the same thing.
LikeLike
A perfect post for me – I love British castles!
LikeLike
Glad to have provided one for you Noelle
LikeLike
Fascinatingly gorgeous. Thanks for the peek outside my world.
LikeLike
You’re welcome Dawn.
LikeLike
Pleased to have found your blog Irene. I’ll explore further. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (plugged in and ready to play).
LikeLike
Great to have you visit. I’ve just popped over and am also glad to been led to your site. Cheers Irene
LikeLike
Great post Irene and wonderful pictures
LikeLike