Bossiney Castle is probably a late 11th century earth and timber ringwork fortress, founded by Robert, count of Mortain, a half-brother of William the Conqueror. With no identifiable bailey and an eastern entrance, the large sub-circular ringwork, defends a slightly raised triangular-shaped area. The north side of the rampart is extremely strong but on the east and south sides, the encasing wide ditch has been affected by landscaped gardening. A mile west is Tintagel Castle and 3 miles north-east at Boscastle is Bottereaux Castle.