Island 95 - Castle Rock/Castle Cornet, Channel Islands

Castle Rock was once a tidal island just off St Peter Port, Guernsey but it has been permanently linked to it by a breakwater and bridge since the mid 19th century.  Castle Cornet occupies the whole island.  It was in use as a military base from c1206 until the end of the Second World War.  

In 1204 King John lost control of Normandy, but the Channel Islands remained under the control of the English Crown.  Therefore there was a need to defend them against possible attack by the French and so Castle Cornet was built to defend St Peter Port.  It was captured by the French in 1338 and they held it for 7 years.  In 1345 it was recaptured by the English, but it was badly damaged in the process and so had to be rebuilt.  The Gunners Tower was constructed in 1435.

During the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, new outer walls and fortifications were constructed around the medieval castle.

At the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, Guernsey supported Parliament but Castle Cornet remained loyal to King Charles I.  The castle was besieged by Parliamentarians from 1643-1651. Castle Cornet was the last Royalist stronghold to surrender in 1651.

The island was the residence of the Governors of Guernsey until 1672, when the castle was damaged by an explosion caused by lightning striking an underground powder magazine and several members of the governor's family were killed.  It was rebuilt and extended during the 18th century.  New barrack blocks and a hospital were built 1745-46.  Fort George replaced Castle Cornet as the main barracks for the island in 1800.

In the 1860s the harbour was extended and a wooden bridge was built to connect it with Castle Cornet.  The wooden bridge was replaced by a concrete one after the Second World War.

Castle Cornet was occupied by German forces during the Second World War.  They called it Stuzpunkt Hafenschloss (Strongpoint Harbour Castle).  They built anti-aircraft units and gun emplacements within the castle walls.

Castle Cornet was given to the Guernsey islanders as a gift by King George VI in 1947.

There are 4 museums within the complex of buildings:

• Story of Castle Cornet Museum
• Royal Guernsey Militia
• Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum
• 201 Squadron Museum

There are 4 small gardens:

• 16th century Sutler's Garden of herbs and vegetables
• 17th century Lambert's Garden.  Parliamentarian Major-General Sir John Lambert was held prisoner at Castle Cornet for 10 years after the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. He was a keen gardener.
• Governor's Garden planted in the formal 18th century style
• 19th century Master Gunner's Garden.  

There is a gift shop and a café. The Noon-day gun is fired every day from the battlements.

Castle Cornet from the breakwater wall

Lower Barracks and 19th Guard House

The Story of Castle Cornet Museum is housed in the Lower Barracks and the ticket office and gift shop are in the Guard House

Cannons

Lambert's Garden

Governor's Garden

Governor's Garden

St Peter Port from the Citadel

18th Century Upper Barracks

German Bunker

18th Century Barracks

Firing of the Noonday Gun