Armada Bank, Gwinear Gwithian
Has been described as a Questionable Linear Defence or Dyke
There are earthwork remains
| Name | Armada Bank, Gwinear Gwithian |
| Alternative Names | Godrevy Towans |
| Historic Country | Cornwall |
| Modern Authority | Cornwall |
| 1974 Authority | Cornwall |
| Civil Parish | Gwinear Gwithian |
The remains of a linear earthwork of a possible post medieval date. The monument is known locally as the "Armada Bank" and their is a vague possibility of it having been constructed against Spanish invasion. (PastScape)
Centred at SW 58304306. A linear bank, probably 17th century, of earth and stone up to 5 feet in height and 3 to 8 ft in width across Godvrey Point promontory; now grassed over. It appears to correspond to a linear defence marked approximately around this headland on Pine's map of the Armanda defences. (PastScape ref. DOE IAM Report Form 6.4.77) The 'Armada Bank' has a ditch on its inner, uphill, side suggesting a defence against the headland area and not of it. This, and its integration with a group of fields of Medieval or post-Medieval form, are the main objections to it having a prehistoric origin.
There is a remote possibility of it being a temporary defence against Spanish invasion in 1588. The section now visible shows the inner face having basal stone revetting and the bank would well serve as a breastwork for musketeers. A C16 map indicates defences in a position which might be taken for Godrevy. (PastScape ref. Thomas, 1964 & 1965)
This site is a scheduled monument protected by law
Not Listed
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
| OS Map Grid Reference | SW583430 |
| Latitude | 50.2377510070801 |
| Longitude | -5.39133977890015 |
| Eastings | 158300 |
| Northings | 43060 |
