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Penzance is a market and port town on the southwest coast of Cornwall. In fact, it is the most westerly large town in the county and mainland UK. Penzance sits in the natural harbour of Mounts Bay on the south coast, facing the English Channel. ‘Penzance’ derives from the Cornish for ‘Holy Headland, named for a Christian church on the peninsula. The chapel was not the only significant religious site on this part of the southern coast. St Michael’s Mount, which is a small island just off the coast, once served as a monastery. Visitors to Penzance will also find themselves only a few miles from Land’s End, which is the southwesterly tip of Britain and a popular photo stop.
The history of Penzance involves much more than medieval monks. There are Iron Age remains in the area, but the town first gained notoriety as a fishing harbour in the Middle Ages, gaining Royal Charters for its port and markets soon after. While fishing is no longer the major industry, its market status is still going strong. It is the largest commercial centre in southwest Cornwall. The 19th century saw the opening of a rail service. This had two effects on the town. The railways meant that Penzance boosted its national status with regards to transportable market produce. At the same time it made the southwest coast conveniently accessible to visitors, bringing tourism to the area. It was this burgeoning industry that gave the Penzance its attractive seafront promenade. There are also several examples of Regency and Georgian terraces, and the Jubilee Pool is a famous Art Deco lido.
Penzance was immortalised in the Gilbert & Sullivan comedy, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, which played on the relaxed and laidback attitude of the town (and its lack of pirates). It is a reputation that has changed little today. It is a place to come and enjoy the beauty of the southwest coast. A visit to Penzance also brings you close to St Ives, which lies a few miles to the north. St Ives is former fishing village turned holiday spot. It has an artistic reputation, being home to the Cornish branch of the Tate museum and several annual festivals.
The history of Penzance involves much more than medieval monks. There are Iron Age remains in the area, but the town first gained notoriety as a fishing harbour in the Middle Ages, gaining Royal Charters for its port and markets soon after. While fishing is no longer the major industry, its market status is still going strong. It is the largest commercial centre in southwest Cornwall. The 19th century saw the opening of a rail service. This had two effects on the town. The railways meant that Penzance boosted its national status with regards to transportable market produce. At the same time it made the southwest coast conveniently accessible to visitors, bringing tourism to the area. It was this burgeoning industry that gave the Penzance its attractive seafront promenade. There are also several examples of Regency and Georgian terraces, and the Jubilee Pool is a famous Art Deco lido.
Penzance was immortalised in the Gilbert & Sullivan comedy, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, which played on the relaxed and laidback attitude of the town (and its lack of pirates). It is a reputation that has changed little today. It is a place to come and enjoy the beauty of the southwest coast. A visit to Penzance also brings you close to St Ives, which lies a few miles to the north. St Ives is former fishing village turned holiday spot. It has an artistic reputation, being home to the Cornish branch of the Tate museum and several annual festivals.