Cornwall National Landscape Trust are looking for a new Chairperson to lead the charity which supports the protected landscape in Cornwall. The Trust are looking for a Chair that possesses...
James Richards
Dinas Koosker
2400–800 BC
Four round barrows were built on the ridge west of Roundwood during the Bronze Age.
800-100AD
The fort’s ramparts and inner enclosure were constructed during the Iron Age, forming a defensive promontory.
100–500 AD
A recent excavation at Trelissick has revealed Romano-British activity in the surrounding area.
18th Century
A quay was built by Thomas Daniel around 1760, along with copper smelting operations and leats altering the landscape.
19th Century
The quay's use declined with new railways, but boat building, quarrying and a lime kiln kept the site active.
Late 19th Century
Roundwood became part of Trelissick's pleasure grounds with extensive landscaping.
1955
The Trelissick estate, including Roundwood, was donated to the National Trust by Ida Copeland.
Roundwood is a rare example of a Late Iron Age (around 2350-2000 years ago) promontory fort, built on a river rather than a coastal site. Situated between Cowland’s and Lamouth creeks, the monument juts out into the beautiful River Fal, hidden amongst a post-medieval plantation and extensively managed estate. The site has seen significant changes over the centuries, with the first quay being built in the 18th century, leading to two hundred years of industrial activity across the site, to practice trenches dug during World War Two in preparation for the D-Day landings.
The impressive earthworks at Roundwood consist of two sets of concentric banks and ditches across the narrow neck of the promontory. The ramparts survive well, still visible in the landscape and partially fossilised in later boundaries and hedges. Beyond the ramparts is an oval enclosure on the raised interior measuring approximately 95m east-west by 60m north-south, with steep sides down to the waters edge. These earthworks make it a highly defensible site typical of Late Iron Age promontory forts along the coast of Cornwall with access tightly controlled across the causeways still used today.
As you explore the site today, over the causeway through both sets of outer ramparts, you are using the same entrance as the people who built and defended this stronghold thousands of years ago. The entrance would have been strategically placed, allowing controlled access into the heart of the fort and the resources stored there. Promontory forts or cliff castles found along the Cornish coast served multiple purposes in the Iron Age, with their likely functions evolving over time:
Roundwood Promontory Fort was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Although Roundwood is peaceful today, in the 18th and 19th centuries it was a hive of industrial activity. The quays were built around 1760 by Thomas Daniel to serve the booming tin and copper mining industries of Kea and Gwennap – at one time declared the richest square mile in the Old World- allowing the import of coal for steam engines serving the mines locally and copper smelting operations on the quayside. Later, in the nineteenth century as the price for Cornish copper dropped, it was no longer economically viable to smelt ores at the site, and the quay was used to export the copper ore to Wales to be smelted.
Before the railways, mule trains would bring ore from the mines onto the quay along the improved road to be loaded on to vessels of up to 300 tonnes which could moor at the quay even at the lowest tides.
Eventually the development of the Redruth and Chasewater railway with links to ports at Devoran and Point superseded the quay and its use declined. Later in the 19th century, several other industries took place on the quayside, including boat building, a depot for coal, and a lime kiln. All this industry left its mark on the promontory. A series of leats (water channels) were dug bringing water to a reservoir on the site, making use of the original Iron Age ditches associated with the fort, and several quarries and a sawpit can still be seen today.
As the main industrial use of the quay declined, the site was incorporated into the Trelissick estate’s wider pleasure landscape and much of the plantation dates from this period. The promontory is shown clear of woodland on the 1st edition Ordinance Survey map of c 1813 but was shown as planted on the 1821 version. The 1842 Tithe Apportionment recorded the area as coppice wood, and geophysical survey results suggest significant management and alteration of the trees has occured since then.
Gallery
Roundwood Promontory Fort isn’t just rich in history; it’s also a haven for nature. The site’s elevated position provides a variety of habitats, including grasslands and scrubland, which support a wide range of wildlife. The fort’s ramparts and ditches create sheltered spaces, ideal for small animals and birds to nest and forage. The surrounding landscape has remained relatively untouched, allowing for the preservation of ancient trees and native plant life. Visitors to the fort can enjoy not only the historic significance of the site but also the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this protected environment.
The local flora at Roundwood Promontory Fort includes a mix of wild grasses, heather and ferns, which flourish on the well-drained slopes of the fort. Ancient oak and ash trees can be found in the surrounding areas, providing homes for woodland creatures. You may spot small mammals such as voles and shrews scurrying through the undergrowth, while birds like skylarks and buzzards often soar overhead. In the spring and summer, the site is alive with butterflies, bees and other pollinators, attracted by the abundant wildflowers that blanket the area, adding to its ecological importance.
Visitors play a crucial role in protecting Roundwood Promontory Fort and its natural surroundings. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging the ancient earthworks and sensitive habitats. Take any litter home to keep the site clean for wildlife and other visitors. If you spot any rare plants or animals, enjoy them from a distance to avoid disturbing their habitat. By respecting the site, you help preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Roundwood Promontory Fort requires ongoing care to protect both its historical structures and natural habitats. The site is managed and owned by the National Trust. Efforts include regular maintenance of the ancient ramparts and pathways, preventing erosion caused by weather and visitor footfall. Volunteer groups and regular visitors to the site also monitor the flora and fauna to ensure local wildlife continues to thrive in this protected landscape.
One major challenge is balancing public access with preservation. High visitor numbers can cause damage to the fragile earthworks and disturb sensitive habitats. Additionally, invasive plant species pose a threat to native biodiversity. Continued efforts focus on raising awareness and promoting sustainable tourism to safeguard the fort for future generations, including new interpretation boards created by the Monumental Improvement Project.
Use the National Trust links above to plan your visit to the site.
You can play a part in preserving this beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved!
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
Results of a Geophysical Survey
