Cotehele House

Has been described as a Possible Fortified Manor House

There are major building remains

NameCotehele House
Alternative Names
Historic CountryCornwall
Modern AuthorityCornwall
1974 AuthorityCornwall
Civil ParishCalstock

Country house constructed circa 1300 with early C15 alterations. The main phase of building took place from 1485-1520 with remodelling in 1862. The original plan is uncertain but the main hall is thought to be the core of the original building. A license for the chapel was issued in 1411. There is a gunport dating to circa 1470. (PastScape)

Whether the initial layout of Cotehele encompassed any protective measures is an open question. During the 1460s and 1470s the coast was subject to piratical attacks and the locality to bitter feuds. Towards the closing years of Edward IV's rule, Sir Richard (Edgcumbe) was assaulted with murderous intent by his neighbour, the young Richard Willoughby, and thirty-four armed men, while on another occasion Willoughby's supporters stole some of the chattels from Cotehele and threatened to burn down the house. Richard Edgumbe (d.1562) was still involved with suppressing piracy eighty years later. (Emery p. 529n14)

Gatehouse Comments

The original plan of the house is unclear but seems to be a fortified manor house with crenellated gatehouse. The gun port is an unusual feature but not unique. Much of the building was done by Sir Piers Edgcumbe, who had fought with Henry VII at Bosworth.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

This is a Grade 1 listed building protected by law

Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSX422685
Latitude50.4958000183105
Longitude-4.22556018829346
Eastings242230
Northings68580
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink


Castlefacts3