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| Forward-Thinking Falmouth |
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Page 1 of 4 Anna-Marie Julyan discovers how the town, with its distinctive maritime history, is facing up to the future in a vibrant and innovative way. ' Researching this article has, for me, very much been a case of a ‘rediscovery’ of Falmouth. I have found myself recollecting my own personal memories of the town. Having grown up on the Roseland Peninsula, trips to Falmouth were invariably part of a family day-out; a treat in the form of a ferry trip from St Mawes across to Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth, and then a day spent meandering around the town, visiting Pendennis Castle, and almost always a cup of tea and cake in De Wynn’s tea and coffee house. Returning to the town, it seems that much of its old charm has remained, yet, scratch the surface and it is immediately apparent that there is much going on that is both exciting and innovative. As a town, both historically and contemporaneously, Falmouth has many different facets; a fact borne out by its fascinating history and plans for an equally impressive role at the heart of Cornwall’s potential for the future. This is a town that is steeped in its own distinctive maritime history; yet a sense of progress is not lost as, among other things, Falmouth has found itself at the heart of the Combined Universities of Cornwall Project, and continues to make the most of its position with features such as the National Maritime Museum. As the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, the town boasts a rich and chequered history and enjoys both national and international renown. The area’s strategic importance was recognised by Henry VIII who ordered the construction of Pendennis and St Mawes castles between 1539 and 1546. Moreover, its position at the end of the British Channel means that over the centuries it has been used as a base for naval operations, and in 1689 the town’s convenient position in relation to Spain was instrumental in securing its status as Britain’s packet boat station; a post held for around 160 years. The security and potential of the haven was recognised by Sir Walter Raleigh who commented at the end of the 16th century that it would do well with a town at its entrance. This potential has manifested itself in many ways, not least in the form of shipbuilding and repair work, and of course through the fishing industry. All of which have been important aspects of Falmouth’s development over the ages. |
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