Mousehole the beautiful little fishing village of Mousehole pronounced 'Mowzel. The area around Moushole was known to be inhabited in the 4th, century. And early Christians were known to have departed from there on the very first pilgrimages to Rome. However from records we know that it was not till 1266, that Mousehole was first documented. These record's describe Mousehole as a important fishing village. And there in no doubt this development accelerated around the time when the South Quay was built in 1390. And that the South Quay was in all probability the first such quay in Cornwall. Today sadly due to the demise of the fishing industry only a few working boats set out to fish Cornish water's from this historical little port

Mousehole as been described as the prettiest little village in Cornwall. And I for one will not disagree. Mousehole is in my opinion is on a par with my favorite North Devon fishing village Clovelly. In winter the village is subjected to ferocious Atlantic gales. And to counteract these fierce seas the villagers set in place sturdy wooden beams, which in effect close the harbour entrance, thus keeping the force of the sea at bay, and protecting the village. This simple, but effective act shows the insight, and understanding the villagers have of the environment they live in. 

On December 19th 1982, just as the Nation was preparing for the Christmas festivities. We awoke to the dreadful news that the crew of the Penlee lifeboat the: Solomon Brown had been lost going to the assistance of a freighter in distress. The brand new freighter the Union Star was on its maiden voyage when it lost engine power off the Cornish coast during a fierce gale. The Penlee lifeboat was called out, but the rescue mission ended in  tragedy. Eight brave men of Mousehole, and the crew of the freighter lost their lives on that terrible night. And the whole Nation was cast into mourning, somehow Christmas had suddenly lost its sparkle, for nothing hurts us more being an Island race, than hearing that brave men of the lifeboat service have lost their lives in a rescue attempt. Donations poured in to the Dependants fund showing just how we an Island race hold the men of the National Lifeboat Institution is such high regard.

Mousehole has a very safe beach, located in the harbour area ideal for families with small children. A small little islet offshore, called St Clements Isle, was once the home to an ancient hermit. There is all so a very large cave, near the village and it is believed by some that this cave gave Mousehole its quaint name. Dolly Pentreath, believed to be the last person to speak Cornish as her native tongue  lived in Mousehole. When Dolly died in 1777: It is said Dolly's last word's were: "Me ne vind crewsel English" which translates as "I don't want to speak English." Dolly is buried in the graveyard at Paul a little village just above Mousehole. 

Mousehole has its own holiday called Tom Bawcock's Eve, celebrated on the 23rd December, it is named after local fisherman Tom Bawcock. It comemerates a time in Mousehole's past when the weather was so bad the fishing boat's could not put to sea. With the village facing starvation, one fisherman braved the elements and put to sea. That man was Tom Bawcock. He caught enough fish to save the villager's from starvation. The fish Bawcock caught were baked in a huge pie, and thus Star Gazy Pie was born. So Each year on December 23rd, Star Gazzy Pie is eaten at the Ship Inn on the quay to commemorate the event. The village is lit with spectacular festive lights. Most of the illuminations are in the shape of traditional Christmas characters, but there is always a Star Gazzy Pie created in lights alongside the traditional Christmas decorations. Star Gazy Pie was virtually unknown outside the 'West Country' until it was featured on 'The Great British Menu' recently on British Television. Star Gazy Pie, was the winning recipe for the main course cooked by 'West Country' chef Mark Hix. Mark's prize was to cook Star Gazy Pie at a dinner hosted by the British Ambassador to France. Yes Mark introduced the illustrious dinners to the humble star gazy pie. For the diners included some of the world's harshest's food critics. Also amongs the guest's were some of  France's premier chef's. I am pleased to say the pie was a great success, and universally acclaimed by one and all. Well now you know all about Star Gazy Pie and that it originated here in the beautiful, little Cornish village of Mousehole.

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