They are gouerned by a Maior,
and his scarlet-robde brethren, and reape benefit by their fayres
and markets, and the County Assizes. The Statute of 32. Henry 8.
which tooke order touching Sanctuaries, endowed this towne with the
priuiledge of one, but I find it not turned to any vse.
To the town there is adioynant in site, but sequestred in
iurisdiction, an ancient Castle, whose steepe rocky-footed Keepe,
hath his top enuironed with a treble wal, and in regard thereof,
men say, was called, Castle terrible. The base court compriseth a
decayed Chappell, a [117] large hall, for holding the shire-Assizes,
the Constables dwelling house, and the common Gayle.
About 60. yeares past, there were found certaine leather coynes in
the Castle wall, whose faire stamp and strong substance, till then
resisted the assault of time, as they would now of couetousnesse.
A little without the towne, were founded a Friery, and anno 1128.
an Abbey, furthered by Reignald Earle of Cornwall.
About 2. miles distant from Launceston, Penheale mannour coasteth
the high way, claiming the right of ancient demain, & sometimes
appertaining to the Earles of Huntingdon, but purchased not long
sithence by the late M.
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