*** Welcome to my Cornwall Page ***
"Here you can find out a little bit about the area's of Bodmin Moor, Tintagel, Boscastle and surrounding Village's !"
*** First of all i start in Tintagel with the famous Post Office now owned by the National Trust ! ***
Tintagel maintains a fine tradition of English magic in the belief that Tintagel castle was the home of King Arthur and his Knights.
The stories of King Arthur, Guinevere and Sir Lancelot abound, kept immortal in the works of Sir Thomas Mallory.
The castle was built by the first Duke of Cornwall, the son of Henry I, later to be extended in both the 14th and 15th centuries when the Black Prince resided there.
There are signs that the earliest parts of the castle come from the mid-12thcentury,
now sitting on almost an island as the headland has been eroded slowly away over the past few hundred years.
Tintagel's most interesting buildings include the ancient 14th century manor house, which was the local Post Office in the late 1800's.
The building is now owned and maintained by the National Trust.
King Arthur's Hall, whilst modern in its construction (1928-33) depicts many aspects of the legend of King Arthur
with over 70 stained-glass windows depicting many chivalrous virtues and Arthurian scenes
*** King Arthur's Castle / Tintagel ***
*** King Arthurs Book shop at the top of the Hill where you go down to the castle ***
*** Camelot Castle Hotel ***
With its towering cliffs and wild seas Tintagel has always been a dramatic place but never more so than now.
For when John Mappin and Ted Stourton bought the old King Arthur's Castle Hotel and turned it into Camelot Castle
it was the beginning of something that might ultimately change the world.
Built in 1899 by architect Silvanus Trevail the enormous granite hotel stands facing into the wind while waves crash relentlessly against the cliffs
and seagulls fly round the forlorn ruins of another, older, castle further along the peninsula.
This is the medieval Tintagel Castle - said to be the birth place of the legendary King Arthur - and both castle and king have inspired countless artists,
writers and poets down through the centuries.
Please use this link below to Visit Camelot Castle's Website...
*** St Nectan's Glen ***
One of Cornwall's most sacred sites. St.Nectan's waterfall is in a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest ,
It has been described as amongst the ten most important spiritual sites in the country.
A place of outstanding natural beauty. The magic and tranquillity of St Nectan's Kieve are unique.
The Kieve is a potent symbol of Mother Earth.
An air of Celtic Mystery.
The Kieve has been a place of reverence, worship and healing since pre-Christian times.
It is a place of healing and spiritual regeneration.
A place of pilgrimage.
People of many faiths have walked the ancient route to the waterfall to bathe in its mysterious and therapeutic atmosphere.
St.Nectan's Glen is approached by several public footpaths, the main one being behind - The Rocky Valley Centre- at Trethevy on the
Boscastle to Tintagel Road. Sensible footwear should be worn.
Although dogs are welcome they are required to be on leads in the area of the Hermitage.
*** The Waterfall ***
*** St Nectan's Kieve, Waterfall and St Nectan's Cell ***
The major part of the Hermitage including the remains of the chapel is now the owners living accommodation but beneath this is the room
which is reputed to be the site of St.Nectan's cell.
Slate steps lead up to the chapel and the rear bedrock wall forms a natural altar.
Until recent times this cell has not been opened to the public but as increasing numbers of visitors are realising the spiritual benefit of the Kieve
the guardians are now allowing access to this Shrine.
The Shrine is the ideal place to sit, meditate and soak up the healing energies of the waters that flow through the cell.
Candles are available for those who wish to show their respect to the spirits of the Kieve as pilgrims did in centuries past.
Please remember that this site is held sacred by many and visit it with respect and reverence.
The Hermitage, St Nectan's Glen, Trethevy, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0BE
Telephone: 0 1840 770 760
Opening times:
Easter to end of October,
Waterfall and Tea Gardens open 7 days a week 10.00am to 6.30pm.
November to Easter
Tea Gardens closed. Waterfall open 10.30am to 6.30pm or Dusk (whichever is earlier).
Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays (Out of hours visiting can be arranged by prior appointment)
Web Site: www.stnectan.currantbun.com
** Merlins Cave Museum and gift shop **
Merlins Cave is a small family run museum and shop, situated in the legendary village of Tintagel in Cornwall.
Tintagel is famous for its legends concerning King Arthur and Merlin the Magician.
The museum was founded in 1980 and although small contains a renowned and highly praised collection of crystals and minerals from
Cornwall and most parts of the world (including Cornish turquoise, opal and cassiterite).
A great attraction to many is the display of minerals illuminated by ultra violet lights producing a fascinating array of colour.
Also the display of Roman coins actually found in Tintagel and hunting arrows dating back to the 9th century.
Within the museum are two small man-made caves, one containing Arthurian figures
(including the beautiful Queen Guinevere and Arthur's half sister Morgan La Fay) and Merlin's wishing well and magic spells book.
The second cave contains the dinosaurs.
The attached shop although small is absolutely brimming with a fine array of interesting items suiting all pockets.
These include crystals, minerals and fossils in natural, polished and carved forms.
Gemstone, Celtic & Native American Indian jewellery and many other unusual items.
*** Celtic Legend ***
Celtic Legend
Fore Street
Tintagel
Cornwall
pl34 0da
Tel: 01840 770430
Owned and personally run by Heather and Ian Graham and family, formerly of The Bossiney House Hotel,
customers both new and old are assured of the very best service and attention.
Celtic Legend is a unique shopping experience where quality is of paramount importance.
Whether you are looking for that very special gift or something to remind you of a great time spent here in Cornwall, we will have something for you!
*** Places to Stay in Tintagel ***
Cornishman Inn
Tintagel, Cornwall
Tel: +44 (0)1840 770238
Fax: +44 (0)1840 770078
Email: jeremy@cornishmaninn.freeserve.co.uk
*** Ye Old Malthouse ***
Ye Olde Malthouse ! has been extensively refurbished and offers comfortable accommodation with the benefit of its own restaurant, giving you good value for money.
The bedrooms have all been upgraded to en-suite and private facilities and are tastefully furnished and decorated.
Located in the centre of Tintagel, home to the legendary King Arthur this charming 14th century building is ideal for exploring Cornwall
Ye Olde Malthouse
Tintagel
Cornwall PL34 0DA
Tel: 01840 770461
*** Bedroom In Camelot Castle ***
Camelot Castle
King Arthur's Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall
pl34 0dq
Telephone - (0)1840 770202
*** Can you see King Arthur's Face in the rock's ? ***
*** Boscatle ***
On Monday 16 August 2004 major flooding occurred in North Cornwall.
The small village of Boscastle was devastated with many buildings destroyed and numerous vehicles washed into the sea.
Although Boscastle was badly affected by the flood in August 2004 it is now well on its way to full recovery with most of the shops,
pubs and cafes currently open and doing brisk business and others about to reopen.
*** See below recent pictures of Boscastle ***
Boscastle is one of North Cornwall's most famous villages, sitting on the coastline, nestling between high surrounding cliffs with
it's little harbour offering protection from the often violent Atlantic storms.
The inner jetty embraces a small area of low-tide sand and was rebuilt by Sir Richard Grenville in 1584;
He was captain of the Revenge and died fighting the Spanish.
The outer breakwater was built in the early 19th century when slate was shipped from Boscastle.
This construction stood quite successfully until 1941 when a drifting sea-mine connected with it causing major damage.
It is with thanks to the National Trust that this small villages, like so many others, is being protected by the work of the Trust.
They rebuilt the breakwater in 1962. The village must be one of North Cornwall's most photographed and painted landscapes.
*** The Wellington Hotel ***
The Wellington Hotel
The Harbour
Boscastle
Cornwall
pl35 0aq
Tel: 01840 250 202
" Welly Re-opened 21 May 2005 "
On the 16th August last year, the Wellington Hotel was badly damaged by the Boscastle floods.
Since then, a great many people, including the BBC - Changing Rooms team, have been working very hard to restore the
"Welly" to it's original condition or even better!
Warm and traditional welcome awaits you at - The Welly - as we are affectionately known, both locally and by our many guests who return time and time again.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend break with maybe a few brisk hill walks around glorious National Trust countryside, an exquisite meal in our fine restaurant, or just a glass of real ale and home cooked food in our traditional pub, the Wellington is where you'll find the comfort you need, served with care and always a smile!
The history of the Wellington dates back to the 16th century, but it is in more recent years that the hotel developed a reputaion for being one of the oldest coaching inns in North Cornwall, with prominent guests such as His Majesty King Edward VII, Sir Henry Irving, Thomas Hardy and Guy Gibson, amongst many others. The Wellington is so named because after the death of the "Iron Duke", the Castilian tower was added in his honour.
Even after the devastation of the Boscastle floods in 2004, we continue to give unrivalled friendliness and service. The flood may have changed the decor and even some of the features, but the full refurbishment just invites you to stay as long as possible.
The location is a perfect base for your holiday with easy access to many of Cornwall's attractions, including the Eden Project, the Camel Trail, Padstow and the rest of North Cornwall. The village has all the amenities that you may need including a number of fascinating gift shops. On our doorstep you will find rugged Cornish coastlines surrounding the beautiful Elizabethan harbour of Boscastle with access to the SouthWest Coast Path and many National Trust walks.
*** Crafty ***
3 Bridge Walk
Boscastle
Cornwall
pl35 0he
Tel: 01840 250110
Crafty is now open and is looking forward to seeing you after the floods !
Welcome to Crafty - a small shop in this picturesque village, selling gifts for all ages.
We have handpicked out gifts to reflect the myths, mystery and atmosphere of our beautiful surroundings.
We specialize in dragons, witches and wizards, stocking a full range of the Tudor Mint's Myth and Magic and Land of Dragons.
We also sell films, batteries, ethnic clothes, Celtic jewellery, west country pottery and glassware; all personally chosen.
If you want an unusual present or a souvenir of a memorable holiday - Come to Crafty!
*** The Museum Of Witchcraft ***
The Museum of Witchcraft
The Harbour
Boscastle
Cornwall
pl35 0hd
To contact the Museum:
Telephone: 01840 250111 (within UK)
Email: museumwitchcraft@aol.com
The Museum of Witchcraft houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft related artefacts and regalia.
The museum is 50 years old and has been in Boscastle since 1960.
It is one of Cornwalls most popular museums
In 1951 Cecil Williamson opened the Museum of Witchcraft in Castletown in the Isle of Man.
Cecil had previously tried to open in Stratford-on-Avon but was overpowered by bureaucracy;
it was made clear to him that Stratford did not want anything to do with witchcraft !
Witchcraft is a belief system that incorporates the use of magic.
Witches effect change by using magic.
Records of witchcraft go back to ancient times and are found around the world.
Witches and magic have always played an important role in the day to day life of village and towns folk.
Modern witchcraft is a nature-based religion and lifestyle often called Wicca.
Its practitioners celebrate the changing cycles of the year, worship ancient deities and use magic.
Many believe that there are remnants of early pagan religions within the rituals used by Wiccans.
Other than court confessions and trial documents little is recorded of' the village Wise Women and Cunning Men
that were the predecessors of modern witchcraft.
These important people were healers, councillors and therapists and were an essential part of village life.
There is also evidence that some of these village witches could and would curse or ill-wish anyone who upset them.
Some witches made their income from lifting or banishing curses.
There have always been good and bad witches, often referred to as black and white.
Witches do not necessarily associate black with evil and white with good and consequently many prefer not to use these expressions.
Modern witches do not worship the Devil or Satan.
Many do however worship a Goddess and Horned God. There is plenty of historical evidence to demonstrate
that many witches were 'good Christians' and regularly attended church.
Witches will usually acknowledge the eight major festivals of the wheel of the year as well as full moons with a ritual celebration.
Tens of thousands of witches practice their craft in Britain today.
In every city, major town and thousands of villages throughout the land witches are quietly worshipping the 'Old Ones',
revering nature and working their magic.
It is the policy of the Museum to display items relating to witchcraft and magic.
We bias toward Cornish and English artifacts but are not exclusive.
There are many artifacts in the collection that could offend but as a museum we strive to remain impartial and show all aspects of our subject.
The museum aims to demonstrate the beliefs and practices of witches past and present.
*** Bodmin Moor / The Nine stones ***
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin is Cornwall's old county town and is full of ruined buildings which tells of it's history.
Bodmin Jail, although now a semi-ruin, is still partly open for the public to visit,
Bodmin Moor is a remote 100 square mile piece of land which is famous for the "Beast of Bodmin".
The grain of the Bodmin Moor landscape reflects the granite dominance.
Standing stones, burial chambers, Cornish hedges, clapper bridges, cottages and farms are all built from the boulders which have,
over the centuries, been cleared from the surface of the moor.
Yet the Moor is surprisingly small, extending just ten miles by ten miles.
The sweeping expanses of moorland and the lack of features give the impression that the upland covers a much larger area.
Equally, the wealth of archaeological remains and the relatively few signs of the twentieth century create the illusion of timelessness.
Though Bodmin Moor covers a comparatively small area, the open, gently curving nature of the plateau landform,
punctuated by rocky tors, creates a surprising sense of scale, remoteness and even desolation.
These qualities combined with the impression of timelessness, contribute to the Moor's distinctive, often challenging, character.
Though many of the roads are now paved, and access by car makes visiting the Moor easy, it is a still a landscape where the traveller can be faced
with the natural environment in its most elemental form, where the unwary may easily become lost among the bogs in swiftly descending clouds and mist.
*** Jamaica Inn ***
Built in 1750, Jamaica Inn was a coaching inn - a bit like our modern day service station.
Weary travellers using the turnpike between Launceston and Bodmin would stay at the Inn after having crossed the wild and treacherous moor.
Some of the travellers were a little less respectable than most and used the Inn to hide away the contraband that had been smuggled ashore.
It is estimated that half of the brandy and a quarter of all tea being smuggled into the UK was landed along the Cornish and Devon coasts.
Jamaica Inn was remote and isolated so it was an excellent stopping place on the way to Devon and onward.
It is also thought that the Inn may have got its name because it did a considerable trade in rum!
In 1778 the Inn was extended to include a coach house, stables and a tack room creating the l-shaped main part of the building as it is today.
You can relive the smugglers experience at Daphne du Maurier's Smugglers! at Jamaica Inn.
We have one of the finest and most extensive collections of smuggling artefacts in the UK
and you can experience in sound and light Daphne du Maurier's novel, Jamaica Inn.
Just off the A30 at Bolventor, midway between Launceston and Bodmin in Cornwall,
Jamaica Inn is conveniently situated and easily accessible from the M5, Devon and Plymouth.
Located high on Bodmin Moor, it is the ideal place to stay on the way to places of interest such as the Eden Project,
the National Maritime Museum and the many Cornish towns and coastal resorts.
For all enquiries including accommodation
and function bookings please contact:
Jamaica Inn
Bolventor
Launceston Cornwall
PL15 7TS
UK
Tel. +44 (0) 1566 86250
Fax +44 (0) 1566 86177
When dawn breaks upon the moor it is a daybreak like no other, for a Cornish moorland vista is all sky.
The first glow of dawn touches the night sky, tinting any cloud with deep rose.
Extract from The Inn on the Moor, a History of Jamaica Inn by Rose Mullins.
The moorland surrounding Jamaica Inn is both dramatic and beautiful.
Bodmin Moor is home to many stone structures that have faced the cruel winds throughout the centuries.
These structures were often seen as the work of giants.
*** The Cheesewring and the Hurler's ***
The Cheesewring and The Hurlers are situated near the village of Minions.
The stones of The Hurlers form three circles and according to legend, the stones were once people who were turned to stone as punishment for hurling on Sundays.
*** Trethevy Quoit ***
Trethevy Quoit near St.Cleer, also known as King Arthur's Quoit, is one of the most impressive ancient burial chambers in Cornwall.
To strengthen further the legend of King Arthur on Bodmin Moor, there is also King Arthur's Hall and Arthur's Bed.
A young girl called Charlotte Dymond was murdered here in 1844 and a monument stands at the base of the hill in an eerie silence,
which has led to many stories about her ghost wandering over the moors.
*** Dozmary Pool ***
Two miles from Jamaica Inn is Dozmary Pool where, according to legend, Sir Bedevere threw Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, to the lady of the lake.
The evil Jan Tregeagle is also linked to Dozmary Pool.
He is said to have sold his soul to the devil and was doomed to emptying the lake with a leaking limpet shell.
*** Brown Willy and Rough Tor ! ***
To the north of Jamaica Inn towers Brown Willy, the highest hill in Cornwall at 1,377 feet.
Rough Tor is nearly as high at 1,311 feet and is capped with jagged granite - hence the local saying 'as rough as Rough Tor'.
*** The Church at Altarnun***
To the east lies Altarnun, where the church is known as the cathedral of the moor.
This was the home of Reverend Davey, the villain in Daphne du Maurier's novel Jamaica Inn.
Rose Mullins' book 'The Inn on the Moor' gives an in-depth history of Bodmin Moor and the Inn.
*** Bodmin Jail ***
The Crown Jewels and the Domesday Book were stored at Bodmin Jail during the First World War, and the last hanging took place as recently as 1909.
The prison dates back to 1776, and public executions were always guaranteed crowd pullers in years gone by, although the hangings retreated behind doors in 1862.
you can visit part of the original 18th century structure, including the condemned cell and some grisly exhibits chronicling the lives and imprisonment of the inmates of the Jail.
Bodmin Jail / Gaol
Berrycombe Road
Bodmin
Tel: (01208) 76292
Other Local attractions around the Moor include :
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Camel Trail
Cardinham Woods Nature Trails
Lanhydrock (National Trust)
Pencarrow House
If you are looking for Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall,
Bedknobs provides an ideal base whether travelling for business or pleasure.
Just 5 minutes walk from Bodmin town centre and close to the A30 with easy access to the whole of Cornwall.
*** Bedknobs ***
Polgwyn
Castle Street
Bodmin PL31 2DX
Cornwall UK Tel: +44(0)1208 77553
Fax: +44(0)1208 77885
e-mail: gill@bedknobs
" We had a fantastic 4 nights with Dinner on two of them at this next Guest House ! "
*** Penhallow Manor ***
Altarnun
Launceston
Tel & Fax: 01566 86206
Penhallow is a nine bedroom manor house of historical interest set in its own grounds and garden.
Penhallow caters for people seeking peace and quiet and requiring high quality accommodation.
All rooms are en-suite and have televisons.
Licensed with a Rosette Award restaurant; classified as Highly Commended, 5 ETB Diamonds and 2 Stars.
Counrtyside Location, Guest Lounge, Business Functions, Parties and Functions, Pets Welcome, Non-Smoking,
Regret Children not catered for, Special Diets catered for. Brochure available. Registered accommodation.
Penhallow Manor, formerly the vicarage in the award winning village of Altarnun and inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaca Inn,
ensures that special blend of peace, comfort and personal attention only a family hotel can provide.
Email: stay@penhallow-manor.co.uk
*** Eliot Arms ***
The Eliot Arms
Tregadillet
Cornwall
PL15 7EU
Phone 01566 772051
The picturesque Eliot Arms is situated in the centre of the Cornish village of Tregadillett on the outskirts of Launceston.
The pub is easy accessible being just a couple of minutes off the A30, one of Cornwall's major access routes.
Tregadillett provides an excellent base for touring in the region as it is within a short distance of Bodmin Moor,
Dartmoor and the north Cornish resorts at Bude, Widemouth Bay, Boscastle and Tintagel (the latter being the main focal point for Arthurian legend).
The beautiful National Trust property at Lydford Gorge is within 20 minutes drive, as is Cornwall's premier tourist attraction, the Eden Project
The inn itself is an unusual and interesting building. It was constructed in the 14th century, becoming a coaching inn during 1625.
The building fell into disarray in the early 19th century and became a blacksmith's shop before being restored to a public house in 1840
when the name Eliot Arms was added to the original name of Square and Compass (the area was known as Compass many years ago).
The bar and restaurant areas are full of nooks and crannies housing Masonic memorabilia, pictures, antique grandfather clocks and many other interesting artifacts.
The bedrooms are well furnished in country style with en-suite facilities, TV and complementary beverage tray with one bedroom housing a romantic four-poster bed.
The Eliot Arms has a fine reputation for its food with locally sourced meats, Cornish fresh fish and shellfish used in a wide-ranging main menu and daily specials board.
A choice of real ales is available and there is an extensive wine list with each of the wines being available by the bottle or the glass.
*** One of the room's in the Eliot Arms ***
*** Pickwick Inn & Restaurant ***
St. Issey,
Wadebridge.
Cornwall.
pl27 7qq
Telephone Number
01841 540361
In October 1842, whilst visiting Padstow, Charles Dickens was greatly inspired and penned his wonderful and moving tale, 'A Christmas Carol'
in which he mentions Tinners Cottage and a lighthouse (Trevose).
His good friend Dr. Miles Marley whose son Dr. Henry Fredrick Marley practiced in Padstow for 51 years, provided Dickens with a surname for
Scrooges deceased partner, Jacob. In his heart warming story Dickens reworks an idea that began as an interlude in 'The Pickwick Papers' where
Gabriel Grub is plainly recognisable as a prototype of the grasping Ebenezer Scrooge.
Dr. Henry Frederick Marley died on 2nd January 1908 aged 76 years at his home in St. Issey and is buried at St. Issey Church.
'A Dickens of a pub'
Where Quality Food, Drink & Service are always on the menu
The Dickens connection lives on today in 'The Pickwick Inn', a family-run Freehouse situated between Wadebridge and Padstow,
set in seven acres overlooking the beautiful Camel Estuary and across the Atlantic Ocean.
Offering a huge choice of interesting meals from innovative bar snacks to fine dining using fresh produce from Pickwick Organic Gardens.
A well stocked cellar with a worldwide choice of excellent wines, real ales, and popular beers and lagers.
Eat in the traditional bar with intimate candelit restaurant or dine al fresco in the beer garden, with poolside barbecues.
Safe adventure playground, tennis court, lawn bowls, heated outdoor swimming pool and touring campsite, large well lit car park.
An ideal stop off for walkers and cyclists.
*** The Cornish Arms ***
" Again we had a graet stay here with two of our very good friend's, The food and hospitality was excellent "
The Cornish Arms Pendoggett
Port Isaac
Tel: 01208 880263
Fax: 01208 880335
E-mail: info@cornisharms.com
Welcome to the Cornish Arms at Pendoggett, a 16th Century Inn offering first class accommodation,
local cuisine and situated close to the North Cornish fishing villages of both Port Isaac and Port Gaverne.
Real ales, tasty snacks and meals are served in the stone-flagged, beamed bars and restaurant.
The comfort of guests is of paramount importance and no effort is spared to ensure that your stay at the Cornish Arms is a memorable one.
Each of the seven en suite bedrooms has its own appeal, and guests can relax in the lovely, friendly bars.
The village of Pendoggett lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Cornish Arms is in the heart of the village which enjoys breathtaking uninterrupted views across the Port Gaverne valley to the sea beyond.
Situated a mile or so from the sea the area is without doubt, one of the last unspoiled places in the British Isles.
Hidden beaches and coves are just a short drive away and close by is the tiny fishing village of Port Isaac, where you can still watch the catch being landed.
On the B3314 a mile from Port Isaac, the Cornish Arms is an excellent base for exploring both the coast and the countryside,
and is also popular with walkers and golfers.
There are five top-class golf courses within a few miles, including the infamous St. Enodoc.
Restaurant seating 35. Non-smoking & smoking bars plus beer garden, all serving traditional pub meals & daily specials.
The Cornish Arms serves traditional Pub food and there is a specials board which changes daily, the emphasis being the use of all local produce wherever possible.
The Bed & Breakfast tariff also includes a hearty Cornish breakfast that will set you up for the day.
The Cornish Arms has three rooms offering luxurious accommodation for family groups, each with en-suite bathroom,
three wonderfully appointed double rooms, again with en-suite bathroom facilities and
a further double room with it's own bathroom that is as comfortable and superbly finished as are all of the others
*** Padstow ***
Padstow has been attracting visitors for a very long time.
Over 4000 years ago, even before the building of the Pyramids, it is thought that travellers used the Fowey/Camel Valley on their journeys from Brittany to Ireland.
By using this route, known as "The Saints Way", the traitorous sea passage around Land's End could be avoided.
But it was St. Petroc's arrival on the shores of the River Camel in the 6th Century that really put Padstow on the map.
St Petroc was reputed to be the son of a Welsh Prince.
He studied theology in Ireland and then founded a monastery at Lanwethinoc (which later became know as Petrocston, and then ultimately Padstow).
Unfortunately the monastery was destroyed by the Vikings in the 10th century.
Having lived in Padstow for thirty years, Petroc made a pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem,
and supposedly reached the Indian Ocean living there for a time on an island as a hermit.
On his eventual return to Cornwall he founded yet more hermitages and monasteries.
He died in Wales, c. 594 and was buried in Padstow.
In medieval times Padstow was granted the "right of sanctuary" by King Athelstan.
This enabled criminals to remain safe from arrest, and the right of sanctuary continued until the time of the Reformation.
Eventually the church's control ceased when the ownership of the land was transferred to the Prideaux family.
As time went buy Padstow continued to develop as a fishing and trading port and as a shipbuilding centre.
In the 16th century the port gave shelter to Sir John Hawkins as he made his way back from the West Indies and also to
Sir Martin Frobisher on his way back from his search for the North West Passage to China in 1577.
Most famously of all Sir Walter Raleigh lived in Padstow for a time when he was Warden of Cornwall and his Court House on
Riverside was the administrative center for the collection of taxes and dues.
Unfortunately, though still standing, the Court House and his cottage are not open to the public.
In the 17th century mining was expanding in Cornwall and copper ore and slates were exported.
The heyday of the Port was reached in the 19th century by which time a number of shipbuilding yards had been established and the fishing industry was at its peak.
Cured fish of many types, especially pilchards, as well as wheat, barley, oats, cheese and minerals were being exported.
Padstow used to be the Cornish terminus of the Southern Railway and there was a direct train service from London Waterloo to Padstow,
"The Atlantic Coast Express".
Sadly Padstow station became a casualty of Dr Beeching's cuts in the 60's, which meant that the nearest railway station became Bodmin Parkway.
Gone with the station was a stretch of railway line from Wadebridge to Padstow that had the most stunning views across the Camel Estuary.
All was not quite lost however as the old rail track became the 'Camel Trail', a very popular cycle and pedestrian link between Padstow and Wadebridge
(cycle hire is available in both towns).
With the closure of the railway line Padstow's decline seemed to be complete.
But in common with many West Country seaside towns, Padstow is now enjoying a renaissance.
Certainly a big impetus for this has come from the success of Rick Stein in building his restaurant and reputation on his association with the town.
Rick has been running the Seafood Restaurant since the seventies and he has seen it grow from a seaside bistro
to an award-winning restaurant with an international reputation.
As he tells it, Rick had not originally set out to become an award-winning chef.
He took a degree in English at Oxford and after spending a few years running a discotheque he bought a nightclub in Padstow.
It was because the nightclub failed to do well that Rick turned to food as a way out.
The upshot was that he opened a restaurant specialising in freshly caught local produce - supplied by the fishermen who had once frequented his club!
From St Petroc to St Stein - a colourful and varied history!
The Seafood Restaurant
Proprietors: Rick & Jill Stein
Riverside, Padstow,
Cornwall PL28 8BY
Tel: 01841 532700
Since opening twenty eight years ago,
The Seafood Restaurant has established a national reputation for imaginative cooking of the very freshest of fish and shellfish.
The restaurant is situated just across the quay from where the lobster boats and trawlers tie up and most of the fish comes literally,
straight off the boats and in through the kitchen door.
Open: All year apart from 1st May and Christmas.
7 days a week Meals: Lunches and Dinner.
Accommodation: 13 rooms.
Cards: Visa, Mastercard and Switch.
St Edmund's House
Next to The Seafood Restaurant.
Six rooms with a sunny "beside the sea feel about them". Each room has been individually styled by Jill Stein,
and have views of the estuary, their own private balcony or veranda, dvd player, wide-screen tv, gardens and parking.
St. Petroc's Hotel and Bistro
4 New Street, Padstow,
Cornwall PL28 8EA
Tel: 01841 532700
Proprietors: Rick & Jill Stein
St Petroc's is an attractive, small hotel just up the hill from The Seafood Restaurant.
St Petroc's is the fifth oldest building in Padstow and is charming.
The rooms have lots of character with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and views over the older parts of the town and estuary.
There is a European feel to the Bistro menu which offers a selection of simple and rustic meat and seafood dishes.
Open: All year, apart from 1st May and Christmas. 7 days a week.
Meals: Lunches and Dinner.
Accommodation: 10 rooms.
Cards: Visa, Mastercard and Switch.
Rick Stein's Cafe.
3 comfortable rooms above the cafe - at 8 Middle Street,
tucked away in one of the atmospheric old back streets of Padstow.
Open: All year, apart from 1st May and Christmas. 7 days a week.
Meals: Lunches and Dinner.
Accommodation: 10 rooms.
Cards: Visa, Mastercard and Switch.
For all accommodation and restaurant reservations Telephone: 01841 532700
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