Lostwithiel

Lostwithiel’s Duchy Palace - The oldest building in Cornwall

Through the ages the building has always been referred to as the Duchy Palace. In fact it never was a palace as we would use the word today.

It is assumed that this name originated from the time the building was erected, it was said to have been built as a replica of the Great Hall of Westminster, circa 1265-1300 AD.

The Dukes and Earls of Cornwall, who were of Royal blood, had their residence at Restormel Castle so the correct name for the building would have been the Great Hall of Lostwithiel.

In 1265 AD, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, second son of King John and brother of King Henry III, acquired Restormel Castle, the Borough of Lostwithiel and the town of Fowey, from the de Cardinan family. During this period Lostwithiel was the most important port of Cornwall and second only to Southampton along the South Coast.

In 1273 AD, Richard died and was succeeded by his son Edmund, who took occupation of Restormel Castle and it is generally accepted that Edmund built the Great Hall. The County Assizes were held there on many occasions until Tudor times.

This building was a very large complex, covering more than two acres. It consisted of the Great Hall, which was the Convocation Hall for the Stannaries and County affairs. It also housed the Smelting Houses, the Coinage Hall for the Stannaries and County. In this complex the Stannary Courts were held. These were courts of no Appeal. With these courts was the Stannary prison. Records state that the whole complex was built and completed between 1272 and 1300 AD and regarded as the finest and grandest buildings in Cornwall.

In 1338 AD, the Earldom was raised to a Dukedom. The first Duke was the Black Prince. The building then became the administration centre for the Duchy and the only polling station for the whole of Cornwall.

In September 1644 AD, the Civil War was at its height and the town of Lostwithiel was taken by the Earl of Essex who made it his headquarters. During the battle the town was badly damaged, the Great Hall sacked and burnt, destroying valuable records of the Shire and Stannaries. The part known as the Exchequer Hall was the least damaged and this then became the Convocation Hall for the Stannaries and the Public Convocation. It was also used for the County Courts and election of Knights etc.

In 1533, John Leland stated that “in Lostwithiel is the Shire Hall for Cornwall and it is the Shire town for Cornwall.” In 1585 Norden, in his survey, stated the same.

Another interesting Historical fact is that in 1495 AD, Henry VII instructed Parliament to pass an Act that the Weights and Measures for the County of Cornwall be placed at Lostwithiel. These weights are now part of the Old Borough Regalia.

At the end of the Civil War some of the buildings were repaired and the people of the town returned to their old ways and occupations.

The last Tinners Parliament was held in the Hall in 1751 AD. After the old buildings had been given up for County business they were used for many different purposes: the old prison was let for dwellings, the vaults for stores and a part for the Duchy Offices.

In 1874 the Duchy Offices were removed elsewhere. The whole building was sold to tradesmen of the town. The Convocation Hall became a Drill Hall. This is now owned by the Freemasons. Within the building in the upper ante room, traces remain of a Medieval Rose window which was over the original South entrance. Original oak supports and timbers still exist.

At the north end of the building is the Duchy Coat of Arms of the 15 bezants, circa 1650, and it is said to be the earliest Arms of the Duchy in this formation anywhere.

On the apex of the Hall roof is the Prince of Wales’ plume of feathers which was probably erected by the Black Prince when he paid his first visit to Lostwithiel and Restormel Castle in 1353 AD. Records show that these plumes were later renewed.

Today sees these same buildings being used as Masonic Hall, dwellings, antique shop and printers.