Star Castle; Robert Adams was not only a great architect, he was the leading expert in the field of coastal defence and fortifications. He was called in to improve Henry VIII's forts at St Mawes and Pendennis, as well as the building of the fort at Plymouth Hoe. Sir Francis Godolphin and Robert Adams replied to Queen Elizabeth 6th August 1593, to confirm the commencement of the castle and fortifications on Hugh Hill. However, as if to underline future times, they were not granted sufficient funds, and Robert Adams returned to her majesty's service as Surveyor, he died 1594. Sir Francis had to emplace his own money to complete the castle and fort, the £400 being insufficient, he added £600 and used his own soldiers as labourers. Star Castle et al was completed December 1594. The ordnance supplied was woeful as were other matters which were not built, and so he applied for more, which eventually was forthcoming and his funds were repaid in 1603, the whole being then complete, along with the quay of 1601; Hugh Town was begun about this time on the sand bar.
This all came about because Elizabeth R wanted to prevent the Isles of Scilly becoming a Spanish base.
View from Quay.
23rd May 2009
