Star Castle, Isles of Scilly facts for kids
The Star Castle is a strong fortress located on St Mary's island in the Isles of Scilly. It was built in 1593 by Robert Adams, who was a royal architect, and Francis Godolphin, who was the Captain of the Scilly Isles. They built it because people were worried about a Spanish invasion.
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What Does the Star Castle Look Like?
The Star Castle is shaped like an eight-pointed star. You can even see its shape on the flag of the Council of the Isles of Scilly. It's a key part of a big defense system on the west side of St Mary's, which is known as the Garrison.
How the Castle is Designed for Defense
The castle's walls are built in that eight-pointed star shape. There's also a larger outer wall that goes around Hew Hill. This outer wall helps protect both the town and the castle itself. Along this outer wall, there are special spots with gun batteries. These batteries are placed so they can fire in all directions, keeping the area safe.
The History of Star Castle
The Star Castle was built in 1593. This happened after the Spanish Armada tried to invade England in 1588. Queen Elizabeth I was worried that Spain might try to invade again. So, in May 1593, she ordered the castle to be built. She also wanted two lookout points, called sconces, to watch for any enemy ships.
Changes Over the Years
In 1740, a skilled gunner named Abraham Tovey made some changes to the Garrison's walls. He added more gun batteries, including one called Colonel Boscawen's Battery. These were built in a round shape along the coastline of The Hoe. In the 1700s, soldiers from the Corps of Invalids were stationed at the castle.
What is Star Castle Used for Today?
Today, the Star Castle is no longer a military fortress. It has been turned into a hotel where people can stay. An American mystery writer named Aaron Elkins even set his 2006 novel, Unnatural Selection, in and around the castle.
