Newlyn is first recorded in 1435, and records from the period state that as a port Newlyn has the facilities for maintaining a jetty, or quay large enough to accommodate 40, fishing boats. Also mentioned are nearby Penzance, and Mousehole. Newlyn was sacked and destroyed in 1595, by the Spanish. In 1775, disaster once more hit Newlyn when the Cornish coast including the area around Newlyn was hit by a Tsunami: yes you read it correctly, a tsunami actually hit not only the Cornish coast but also the adjacent coasts, of South Wales, Devon, and Somerset causing a great devastation, and loss of both lives and livestock. However despite these disasters Newly has managed to remain, a vibrant, busy and very important fishing port. The fishermen of the South West have received justified  critisim, particularly in the 50s, and 60s, regarding overfishing that was depleting fish stocks. Well that is all charging for the better South West fishermen have been leading lights in introducing, 'Tagged Fish,' these tags tell the purchaser that the fish they are buying was caught by a sustainable method of fishing, Ie. using lines or fish friendly nets. And one beam trawler fisherman out of Brixham Devon, aware of the  controversity that beam trawlers created, also successfully designed and introduce a more fish friendly net that greatly reduces the damage these previously much maligned trawlers caused to fish stocks. And the net ( forgive the pun ) result of these efforts is even pilchards: or sardines as they are marketed to-day have returned to South Western waters,

However in the 19th century, Newlyn's fortunes like many coastal towns, and villages in Cornwall changed for the better. It was the coming of the railway, and it was the combination of redevelopment to the old port, and the coming of the said railway to nearby Penzance. For both events had a knock on effect where Newlyn is concerned. Yes the fishing village was reborn, not only as a fishing town, but a very popular, and busy, holiday resort. Newlyn has not however forsaken its fishing heritage altogether and remains the largest fishing port in England. For early risers a visit to the fish market would not go amiss, for here you can get a real insight in to the fishing industry. And the fish festival held on August bank holiday each year, is a wonderful event, when Newlys long association with fishing and the sea is displayed. Run in conjunction with the fish festival is the annual raft race, where home made rafts compete against each other for prizes: offered by local businesses. One can, either enter their own raft, or sponsor others. As not many people take rafts on holiday with them, I suggest the latter is preferable. However be prepared for plenty of thrills, and spills, and great fun.

Fishing: aside Newlyn as I said has become a very popular holiday resort. With both Penzance, and Mousehole, within walking distance it is easy to see why many people choose Newlyn as their base. The busy harbour also attracts many visitors, for here is one place they can still see a traditional Cornish working harbour and all that entails. And with many boats either landing their catch, or setting out to fish, or even just sailors cruising the south west coast there is always some interesting activity. Yes as I said it certainly gives one a real insight in to the daily life of a Cornish fishing  town

In 1882, the Irish artist Stanhope Alexander Forbes, settled in Newly he was soon joined by his fellow artist, Walter Langley. Other painters soon followed them to Newlyn including Elizabeth Stanhope Forbes, Norman Garstin, T.C.Gotch, and Henry Scott Tuke. In 1899, Stanhope Alexander Forbes, and his wife formed a school of art. Many more artists besides these founding fathers were later to be attracted to picturesque Newlyn. These later artists included the famous and controversial artist, Sir Alfred Munnings, and Laura Knight. Together they formed the well known 'Newlyn School' of artists. Today the artist community is still thriving, and give Newlyn a avant garde feeling. Many of their works are exhibited in both the Newly art gallery and Penlee House Museum.

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