Northumbrian Gunner: Guernsey 2017

Saturday 19 August 2017

Guernsey 2017 - Cornet Castle

Castle Cornet St Peter Port Guernsey

Castle Cornet stands on a rock outside Normandy until it was lost to France in St Peter Port on the island of Guernsey. The Island was part of Normandy until 1204. Normandy was lost to France, however the Channel Islands became independent and opted to remain under the English Crown.

Guernsey's harbour became strategically important and Castle Cornet was built to protect it. Construction began in 1250.

Castle Cornet at the entrance of St Peter Harbour Guernsey

The rock on which it was built could only be reached at low tide by means of a rocky path on the north east side.

Cornet Castle path - now a pier

The path leads to the castles entrance.

Castle Cornet entrance

Castle Cornet Medieval Times

The castle continued to be developed over the next two hundred years, though by the 1500's the advent of gunpowder artillery necessitated new defences. In 1538, Henry VIII carried out a comprehensive reconstruction.

Castle Cornet Guernsey 1538

Further enhancements occurred during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). The defences included the construction of platforms for cannon and an outer wall around the castle.

Castle Cornet Gun Platforms 1570

Castle Cornet Cannon 1570 - plus new detachment member

At the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, Guernsey declared it's support for Parliament. The Governor of the Castle, St Peter Osborne, remained Royalist. Over the 9 years the Castle was under siege. The siege routine however mounted to the odd skirmish and exchange of cannon fire. No serious attempt was made to take the castle and they continued to be supplied over this period by ships from Royalist Guernsey. The siege ended 19th December 1651. The Parliamentarians had been victorious at the Battle of Worcester in September 1651, after which Royalist garrisons, including Jersey surrendered. cutting the supply line to Castle Cornet..