Penzance

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  Until the 16th Century Penzance was only a small settlement, the principle Harbour being Mousehole, just around the coast. In 1595 four Spanish Ships landed their crews and burnt Mousehole before moving on to set fire to the villages of Paul and Newlyn before reaching Penzance. Scorched stones can still be seen, in Paul church and in some of the older buildings in Penzance. As a result of this attack much of Penzance had to be rebuilt and it was not long before it became a borough, and it 1663 Charles II made it a new Coinage town for the tin industry. From then on Penzance grew in size and importance. The maritime trade grew and Penzance became a market town for the west of Cornwall.

Modern Penzance is one of the most attractive towns in the county. It has some fascinating architecture, for example the Egyptian House, and has a position, in Mounts Bay, which is unrivalled. Views across the bay to St Michael's Mount are magnificent. The town has an interesting museum and art gallery which houses a collection of paintings by the Newlyn School of artists. There is a statue of Sir Humphry Davy in the main street.

Penzance is proud of it's famous Promenade, the longest in Cornwall which is presently being refurbished. At one end is the Jubilee Bathing Pool with it's Art Deco design, poolside cafe and wonderful views across the bay.

The Scillonian, the regular ferry to the Isles of Scilly, operates from the harbour and there are also regular helicopter flights to the Islands.

Penzance is also the terminus for the Railways in Cornwall if you want to travel further west it has to be by car or bus.

List of businesses situated in or near Penzance