© 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
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Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 