St Ives; The Island
Has been described as a Certain Artillery Fort, and also as a Certain Urban Defence
There are uncertain remains
| Name | St Ives; The Island |
| Alternative Names | The Castle; The Bulwarks |
| Historic Country | Cornwall |
| Modern Authority | Cornwall |
| 1974 Authority | Cornwall |
| Civil Parish | St Ives |
Sackings and fires started by French raiders in the mid-15th and early 16th century resulted in the destruction of buildings. The settlement of Porthminster is recorded as being rased to the ground by such an attack. 'Turkish' pirates were also a threat during the 1630s. Fortifications against these and other attacks were built. Willoughby built a fort or blockhouse furnished with large guns for the protection of the bay. This is likely to be the structure known as the 'Castle' said to have been built in 1490 just to the east of the medieval pier and quay. Although thought to have been demolished during the 18th and 19th century harbour redevelopments some element of the structure may be retained in Quay House. This seems to be unrecognised at present and if further research confirms its identity, protection through scheduling or listing would be desirable to recognise its national importance. Further fortifications were constructed on the southern slope of the Island. The remains of bulwarks, recorded in 1535, are visible today: huge ramparts with two bastions defending a gun position at the top of the hill. (Newell, 2005, p. 18-19)
Not scheduled
Not Listed
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
| OS Map Grid Reference | SW521409 |
| Latitude | 50.2163391113281 |
| Longitude | -5.47721004486084 |
| Eastings | 152100 |
| Northings | 40900 |
