Falmouth is a beautiful maritime town that lies at the mouth of an estuary that has seven rivers running into it. These rivers run inland to several important towns. The town lies within two headlands - Pendennis Point, which is watched over by Pendennis Castle, and the Roseland Peninsula, which houses St. Mawes Castle (the sister castle to Pendennis). Henry VIII recognised the strategic advantages of Falmouth and built the two castles to protect the estuary (known as the Carrick Roads) that runs from the sea up to Falmouth and beyond.
Falmouth was a bit of a slow starter as a town, pre-dated by both Penryn (founded in 1216) and Truro (sometime in the 12th Century) by hundreds of years. Falmouth first became a settlement in the 17th Century and although Henry VIII recognised it's importance, it was not until his daughter Elizabeth I's reign that Falmouth began to grow.
The Killigrew family who had lived in a small community (called Penny-come-quick) are considered the true founders of Falmouth. Sir Walter Raleigh stayed with the Killigrews at Arwenack House (the family home) and reputedly convinced Sir John Killigrew of the potential of the port. In 1613, Sir John Killigrew truly founded Falmouth. This was not particularly popular with the people of Truro and Penryn as their monopoly on the local trade was greatly affected.
During the Civil War, Cornwall was staunchly Royalist and the Parliamentary forces burnt down Arwenack House. Pendennis Castle survived a five month seige before Oliver Cromwell's forces overcame the defences.
In 1661, Charles II granted the town it's charter on the condition that a church was built and dedicated to his father. The church is called King Charles the Martyr and is one of only five churches in the country to have this name. In 1688, the Post Office decided that Falmouth was to be the base for its mail boats - known as the Packets (a name which the local papers still use: Falmouth Packet and Helston Packet). Because of the Packets, Falmouth's industries became ship repairs (for the boats) and hotels (for the crew, and passengers that the Packets sometimes carried). The Greenbank Hotel was built for such passengers. Falmouth was also popular with smugglers, with brandy, gin, rum, tobacco, tea and wool being smuggled ashore up and down both the Helford and Fal Rivers. Due to the trade from the sea, Greenbank Terrace was built by and for Georgian sea captains.
In 1842, the Packets moved to Southampton. However, in 1858 the Falmouth Docks Company was formed. In 1859 the Falmouth Docks Act was passed and a railway was built a few years later - these ensured the success of the shipping company.
Falmouth was quite important during the Second World War, with the Carrick Roads having 100 or more vessels anchored there at any one time. The docks and the town were bombed in 12 raids, with 31 people losing their lives. In 1944, the docks were a major embarkation point for the D-Day landings.
Falmouth is a very popular place with both locals and holidaymakers with its beautiful scenery, interesting history and excellent seafront.
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