Falmouth
Falmouth is an ancient sea port, long steeped in seafaring tradition. It is the most southernmost port in England, where during the majestic age of sail, cargoes would find the best markets in Britain. A regular instruction to English merchant ships bound for Europe, following the long voyage from the Indies or Americas was to "sail to Falmouth for orders". Occasionally, messengers and ambassadors travelling to London would be dropped off at Falmouth, because in those days one could ride to the capital faster than a ship could tack against the wind up the English Channel. One such case is when News of the victory at the Battle Trafalgar and the death of Nelson reached Falmouth first, and was then taken to London by Stagecoach.
Falmouth port stands at the entrance to Carrick Roads, a magnificent natural harbour formed by the junction of seven estuaries. The castles of Pendennis and St Mawes, which face each other across the bay, were built by Henry VIII to protect the harbour against invaders, a vital defensive strategy for the development of Falmouth as a main port. Pendennis Castle was the last Royalist stronghold in Britain to surrender during the Civil War.
In 1698, Falmouth introduce the first Royal Mail Packet Station in the harbour, making Falmouth the communications centre of the British Empire at this time. Small, fast, sloops darted across the oceans, carrying post and packages to Africa, America, India and Europe. The packet service brought great prosperity but once it was transferred to Southampton, Falmouth's fortunes then declined. However, its fortunes were revived again, in 1863, when the railway reached Falmouth and tourism soon followed. Falmouth is now one of the leading resorts on the Cornish Riviera.
Falmouth harbour is a great place to watch the wide variety of working and sailing boats going about their business. In the days of sail, merchant ships replenished their stores at the port before making the long haul across the oceans. Occasionally you may catch the a glimpse of a tall sailing ship that has come into the harbour for repair.
You can catch a local ferry from the Prince Of Wales Pier or Custom Quay, to Flushing, St Mawes or take a sight seeing trip along the Helford River.
Outside the Bosun's Locker on the waterfront, stands a striking figurehead outside the ships chandlers (candle store). Near the Custom Quay is the King's Pipe, a brick chimney where smuggled tobacco, seized by Customs officials was once burned.