Falmouth's history is relatively recent, when judged by other Cornish towns. Only being formed from the older borough of Budock in 1661. Falmouth lies on a peninsular on the west side of the entrance to Carrick Roads, an natural deep water harbour. Henry V111, realized the strategic importance of the area around St Mounts Bay, and built not one, but two castles there. These castles were to protect the tows around the bay, Newlyn and Penzance from attack by the the French. Pendeniss castle was built on on a prominent headland. ( Pendeniis consisted of a simple round tower and gate enclosed by a curtain wall ) The other castle St Mawes, was built on the opposite side of the estuary ( A great deal of effort went into St Mawes it used only the finest quality stone, and decorative carvings. ) This was remarkable foresight by the King for the port was indeed attacked but not by the French, In 1595, it was the Spanish who launched an attack on Mount Bay, and the towns around it. However Pendeniss' weakness was improved during the Elizabethan era, when Queen Elizabeth 1st, had Pendeniss' defenses strengthened by adding an extra wall encircling the structure, and bastions. Today both the castles are still in excellent condition. 

In 1660, at the instigation of no less a man than  Sir Francis Raleigh,who as an experienced Naval Captain, had recognized that the natural deep water harbour was a excellent location for a port.  He passed on his thoughts to Sir Peter Killigrew who had a long-standing ambition to found a town, on Falmouth Haven (as the harbour here was then called). So acting on Raleigh's advice he sent an emissary to the court of King Charles 2nd, in London. Sir Peter Killigrew was seeking the grant of a charter for the construction of a port and  town. The King  encouraged parliement to grant Sir Peter Killigrew's request. Thus parliament awarded  a charter, that allowed the building of a port, and town.  And before long  Falmouth; quickly grew to be Cornwalls biggest, and most important port. What helped in the development of Falmouth as a port, was the granting of much envied and coveted Royal Charter: For to be appointed as post office packet station virtually assured any port, bearing this designation would be a success. Ships sailed with mail to Spain, Portugal, West Indies, and the North American Colonies. This charter lasted until 1852, when mail traffic was transferred to Southampton. However the blow of the loss of the royal mail charter, was softened by the advent of the railways. And given its beautiful location Falmouth soon re-invented itself as a holiday resort. 

What does Falmouth offer the visitor today? Well the town center of Falmouth contains many of the expected high street shopping names, alongside restaurants' and specialist shop's. The town is laced with many notable and unusual listed building's (like the "King's Pipe" which was originally used to burn contraband tobacco in the days of old style smuggling). Falmouth boasts an arts center, the Cornwall maritime museum, (where the story of the famous Falmouth Packet ship is explained), and the Falmouth art gallery ( the gallery houses a renowned collection of Tuke paintings) which is complemented by the Princess pavilion. These places together ,provide people with a very comprehensive history of Falmouth. a With exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical events that run throughout the year, there is plenty of choice for the visitor. Touring groups, local, national, and international performers, and artists will all be found performing at Falmouth. Falmouth's mild climate led the Victorians to lay out some wonderful gardens, with a abundance of forna from all over the world. Three miles south of Falmouth one will find the wonderful Trebah Gardens, which even by the high Cornish standards are outstanding. The gardens covering some 25 acres lie in a 500 meter long ravine, originally created by Charles Fox 1826. There the sheltered location allows plants from the four corners of the globe to flourish. A water garden was created in 1986, by the present owners Major, and Mrs Herbert who have also placed the gardens in a charitable trust to ensure that they will be admired by future generations.

Falmouth also boast four superb beach's: Gyllynvase, Castle, Swanpool, and Maenporth. Each offers well managed facilities, and caters for both the active, and the not so active beach aficionado. Alternatively, why not step aboard one of the many excellent pleasure boats, plying the local waters off Falmouth and fully experience the maritime charm of this most beautiful part of Cornwall. There is a marina and quay for visiting yacht's and cruise liners. With one of the worlds deepest natural harbours ,Falmouth is ideal for the sailing fraternity. Todays Falmouth is fast developing its international reputation as one of the great sailing, and water sports centers of the world. Every year new accolades are added to its impressive list of international sailing events. Yes Falmouth has every thing one needs for a great holiday, history, scenery, sea, sun, & fun

If you would like to link to this website please Email