Inside Castle Cornet: An 800 Year Old Castle Part III

Hello my lovely readers! This is my 3rd and hopefully final castle tour of Castle Cornet. I really apologise for this being so lengthy as my blog is also kind of my scrap book to keep memories. And I want to be as detailed as possible to ensure that the memories remain alive through the years. For those of you who haven't seen the first and second part of this click on the huperlinks. ❤️ Let's proceed to the tour!

10. Citadel Entrance

Unfortunately the citadel access prohibits entry. So I will just talk a bit about its entrance. The gateway leads to the citadel which consists of 19th century bombproof casemates and more modern bunkers. The area was originally at the centre of the medieval castle.

11. Sally Port

A narrow gateway through the outer wall of the medieval castle c.1220. This served as a secondary entrance of the castle. This allowed easy entry or exit by the castle garrison.

12. Historic Gravestones

Just outside Sally Port, inside a magazine or ammunition storage constructed back in 1680, is where some historic gravestones can be found.

In 1967 part of the grave yard at St. Sampson's Church collapsed into an adjoining quarry. Because of the risk of further collapse, all the human remains of that graveyard were re-interred in another part of the cemetery. Five of these tombstones were considered to be of historic interest, were place in castle cornet for safe keeping.

13. Well Battery

A solid tower built on the outer wall of the castle c.1535. The cannon on this platform protected the beach and potential landing place below the tower. It also protected the castle from any attack from the sea.

On the right hand-side of this battery are picnic tables for visitors who are bringing food.

14. Traversing Carriage

Traversing carriage enabled the gunners to fire shots over a much wider area as the gun could be swivelled round a central pivot. This gun is a 24 pounder which dates from the 18th century and bears the royal cipher of George III. The carriage is a modern replica. This is actually a part of the South Battery but I think it deserves its own spot.

15. South or Water Battery

Built in 1590, this projecting gun battery protected the southern approaches to the castle. Later converted for use by a 19th century traversing gun.

Also contained a German gunpoint named, Emma. We found some pretty views from up here.

16. The Governor's Garden

This garden is based on details found in the Bastide plan of Castle Cornet dating to 1734. It follows the original layout of beds and paths and illustrates the formality of the period.

17. Sutler's House

Built in 1550 and was originally the accommodation for the Sutler or the quartermaster who would've distributed supplies to the soldiers in the castle. The building survived the explosion of 1672.

On site too is the Sutler's Garden.

18. Prisoner's Walk

Built in 1220. Is a strongly fortified passageway leading to the medieval citadel. The upper section dates to the 13th century. It was later used as an exercise area for prisoners.

19. General Lamberts Garden

Whilst imprisoned in the Castle Cornet between 1661 to 1671 General Sir John Lambert cultivated this garden. It has been recreated with plants similar to those Lambert would've grown.

20. Barbican

The Barbican formed a defensive tower at the entrance to the medieval castle. It was enlarged during the French occupation of the castle between 1338-45.

21. Noon-Day Gun

Made in 1799 it carries the arms of George III. The gunners wear replicas of the tunics that would've been worn by local men in the Guernsey Militia Regiments between 1868-81. They fire this every 12:00 noon.

22. The Refectory

To conclude our visit to the castle, we had some pecan pie with some coffee at their refectory or cafe. This building used to be the Upper Barracks and Married Quarters back in 1745-1750. 

Bottomline, Castle Cornet is definitely a historical gem in Guernsey. It offers you sights of St. Peter Port that's not been seen by people who have not visited it. For an affordable price, you get to see the castle and 4 different museums within it. So if you ever visit Guernsey please add this on your list! 

PS. There are 3 more museums within the castle that I have not discussed yet, the 201 Squadron RAF Museum, the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum, and the RGLI Museum. But I think that would be another story. Cheers!