Three historic sites across Cornwall given special protection in 2020
Historic England says it is to help preserve them for future generations
Last updated 16th Dec 2020
An ancient hillfort, an artist's studio and 19th century library have gained special protection in Cornwall this year.
They are among historic sites across the country that have been given listed status by Historic England.
As the year draws to a close, the organisation is celebrating the sites in the South West that have gained protection.
“I am delighted that these important sites have been listed this year. These significant additions to the list span the whole country - from Nottingham to Kent, Andover to Cumbria, and include something for everyone to enjoy. I am grateful that, thanks to these listings, these heritage sites will continue to enrich our communities for generations to come."
Heritage Minister, Nigel Huddlestone
“Every year, Historic England works to protect the most significant historic sites across the country. Despite the challenges that the heritage sector has faced this year, 2020 has seen many brilliant additions and revisions to the List. From Largin Castle in Cornwall to Swindon’s pioneering Health Hydro, we want to ensure the South West’s rich and varied cultural heritage is preserved so that the public can continue to cherish the heritage that makes their local places so special.”
Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England in the South West
A highlight of the most captivating places listed, upgraded or amended in 2020 across Cornwall and Devon
Largin Castle, Cornwall – protected as a scheduled monument
An impressive hillfort with the potential to tell the story of prehistoric life in Cornwall.
Located on a steep-sided promontory overlooking the Glynn Valley, Largin Castle is a large hillfort thought to date to the Iron Age (900 -100 BC). Its impressive triple ramparts and ditches are well-preserved and surround an oval central enclosure. Evidence of a trackway, possibly medieval, running through the earthwork suggests that it was used for cultivation during that period. The construction of the Great Western Railway through Cornwall in the mid-19th century cut close to the north-west corner of the hillfort, but didn’t damage it.
The remains of Largin Castle have the potential to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the area during the prehistoric period.
Wilkinson’s Battery, Devonport – listed at Grade II
Part of Plymouth’s 16th century coastal defences.
In 1590, in response to a threat of sea-attack by the Spanish on Plymouth, Sir Francis Drake was appointed to improve the city’s defences. An artillery fort was built on the eastern part of Plymouth Hoe, protecting the entrance to Cattewater and the harbour in Sutton Pool. It later became known as Drake’s Fort.
It is thought that Wilkinson’s Battery was built around this time as a blockhouse, and was in place in 1595 when it was incorporated into the lower part of Drake’s Fort (now the Citadel, a scheduled monument).
The Battery was partially demolished and rebuilt in around 1888. Built from local Devon limestone and granite, it retains its expressive defensive form despite some alterations including those made during the Second World War when the battery was used as an air-raid post. The top of the battery is today used as a viewing platform.
Other buildings in Devon and Cornwall listed in 2020:
• The Palais de Danse in St Ives, Cornwall, used as a studio by the artist Barbara Hepworth, listed at Grade II.
• The Passmore Edwards Library in Redruth, Cornwall, a characterful example of the work of Redruth’s principal 19th century architect James Hicks, listed at Grade II.
• Lavington United Reformed Church, Bideford, Devon. We revised the original list entry for this Grade II* church to include the schoolroom and Primary Hall which were added in 1923-4 in memory of those lost in the First World War. They stand as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the 20th century.
• Spiceland Quaker Meeting House, Uffculme, Devon. We have amended the list entry for this Grade II* listed building. This purpose-built Quaker meeting house of 1815 has a simple but characterful design and retains a range of historic fittings. The location has a very long association with the Quaker Movement and is understood to have been visited by George Fox who preached there in 1669.