1086-The first mention of an existence of a castle at Launceston occurs in the Domesday Survey. It records the Earl Robert of Mortain holds the castle of Dunhevet, he had been rewarded the huge Earldom of Cornwall as reward for his efforts in helping William to conquer England.

He appears to have chosen Launceston or Dunheved as the administrative centre of his domain, which had a lasting effect on the importance of the town in the local government of Cornwall.

1139-Halveth Malyverer Castellan.

King Steven granted a perpetual pension in favour of "the Chaplain celebrating in the chapel within the castle of Dunheved.

1175-The castle reverted to the crown on the death Earl Reginald of Cornwall.

1189-Walter Reynell Castellan.

The castle was granted to John, Count of Mortain by Richard I.

1191-Reverted to the Crown after John's rebellion.

1227-Launceston Castle was granted to Richard Earl of Cornwall.

Richard was probably responsible for the first stone defences.

It appears that Polyphant was the source of the dressed stone used in building.

1256-Richard Earl of Cornwall spent Christmas of this year at Launceston.

1264-Richard collected the troops that he led to defeat at the Battle of Lewes from Launceston Cornwall.

May 14th Richard Earl of Cornwall captured at the Battle of Lewes. Imprisoned at Wallingford and then at Kenilworth. He lost not only the battle but also his estates, though he recovered them after de Montfort's death.

1272-The castle owned by Richard Earl of Cornwall until his death this year.

1337-5th May The Black Prince's officers took possession on his behalf.

The Town and Castle held out for the King throughout the Civil War.

1646-On the 25th of February both Town and Castle was taken by Fairfax's Army.

With the end of the Civil War the history of the castle virtually ceases.

Note-George Fox the founder of the Society of Friends was imprisoned here.