Castle Cornet, Military fortress at Saint Peter Port, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Castle Cornet occupies a 2-hectare island 600 metres east of Guernsey, measuring 175 metres by 130 metres. Its keep, chapel, two courtyards and curtain walls were begun between 1206 and 1256; the Carey tower dates from around 1435. The castle now houses five museums, including the Maritime Museum and the 201 Squadron RAF Museum.
Castle Cornet was first fortified between 1206 and 1256, after the 1204 division of the Duchy of Normandy, when timber and lead were sent from England during Geoffrey de Lucy's wardenship. The French took it in 1338 and massacred the garrison, and Owain Lawgoch failed to capture it in 1372. Cannon led to remodelling in 1545–1548, and the Royalists held it until 17 December 1651.
The castle displays exhibitions about local military units and their role in protecting the island through centuries of conflict. Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, and personal objects that reflect how soldiers lived and worked in this fortress.
Castle Cornet is reached from Saint Peter Port by the roughly 500-metre Castle Pier, which continues east as the 150-metre Castle Breakwater; the pier and breakwater form the harbour's southern edge. The site covers about 2 hectares, so allow time to walk between the museums, the restaurant and the outer walls.
The Castle Cornet Noonday Gun is fired by the castle each day at noon, a tradition kept alive at this former tidal island. The gun is one of the sights listed among the castle's attractions, alongside its museums and summer open-air theatre performances.
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