The project, called Pendennis: Keep Connections, has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, providing a £466,565 grant to help English Heritage develop its plans for the castle.

The Tudor Keep sits at the heart of Pendennis Castle and dates back to the fortress’s origins during the reign of Henry VIII. The proposed project will focus on essential conservation and repair work, while also creating new ways for visitors to discover the building’s fascinating history.

English Heritage says the new interpretation will explore both the Keep’s Tudor beginnings and its wider place in Cornwall’s history, bringing fresh perspectives and voices into the story of the remarkable fortress.

The development phase will also involve working with local communities, Falmouth University and English Heritage volunteers to explore what Pendennis Castle means to people today and how its stories can be shared with future generations.

Kirsty Hedderly, Cluster Manager for Pendennis Castle at English Heritage, said: “Pendennis Castle’s Tudor Keep is at the heart of this extraordinary site, and thanks to National Lottery players this project will help us secure its future while finding new ways to share its stories.

“We’re excited to work with local communities, Falmouth University and our volunteers to explore what Pendennis means today and ensure this remarkable place can continue to inspire visitors.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the project would help protect the Grade I listed building while providing opportunities for more people to engage with its history.

Following the development stage, English Heritage plans to apply for a further National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £2,392,235 to deliver the full project.

Pendennis: Keep Connections is intended not only to protect an important part of Falmouth’s heritage, but also to create new opportunities for visitors and the local community to connect with the castle and its centuries of history.

The project promises to give one of Cornwall’s best-known landmarks a new lease of life while ensuring its Tudor heart remains at the centre of Pendennis Castle for generations to come.

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