Where's the Castle.

Thursday 26th May 2016 - Tintagel.

Whilst there was a Castle at Tintagel (even though it was a complete ruin) we walked in the opposite direction to Boscastle expecting another Castle but there was non at all....well not since 1478.

Our morning was spent at leisure on the site, basking in glorious sunshine.

We made our excursion to Boscastle after lunch.

All I knew about Boscastle was that it had a flash flood in August of 2004, although it seemed more recent in my memory.  Apparently it was one our largest rescue events ever.  Over 100 properties were evacuated and 81 people were airlifted out of the village by 6 helicopters.  Miraculously no one died and the biggest injury was a broken thumb!  The TV coverage was dramatic as it showed several cars being washed down to the sea.  

The presence of a harbour at all is quite a shock as you wouldn't think that any vessels would manage to get in at all.

The photo is taken from the inner harbour wall and that little construction on the right is the outer wall.  The tide was out but even when in any small ships would need to zig zag into the harbour with precision.  I don't think it's used much now.

I liked the place but we looked in vain for the castle!  We eventually found the site of the castle that was actually called Bottreaux Castle, built around 1100 by a Norman Lord and fell into ruin by 1478.  There was nothing at all to see, hence no photograph.

This is Janice and I having a little rest before our walk back!  Yes, I look a bit tired and heavy, this is what happens if you have too many pasties....be warned!

Here a picture of Forrabury Church which is the towns little church.  It looks out towards the sea and is adjacent to a large field which is divided into 'stitches' or strips that in the early feudal period were given to local people to be self reliant.  The division of the individual 'stitches' is still clear today.

Back at the van we must have been a bit confused because we had an English Breakfast for our tea!

We had a little think and worked out that we have seen the sea every day of the holiday except our first night at Tewkesbury and one day when we were near Exeter.