Helston

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Helston is a bustling market town which serves as an ideal base for exploring both the far west of Cornwall and the Lizard peninsula. The town was once a thriving port but eventually the river silted up and the port could no longer operate. Helston has many old buildings of interest, including Georgian and Victorian architecture. The Monument, at the bottom of Coinagehall Street, was built in 1834 in memory of a local banker and solicitor; Humphry Millet Grylls was responsible for keeping the local mine open and saving over 1000 jobs. The Blue Anchor pub was once a rest house for monks, and has been a public house ever since the fifteenth century. The Angel Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Helston, and is the former town house of the Godolphin family. Helston Folk Museum is located in the old butter market; outside which stands a cannon salvaged from HMS Anson, wrecked at Loe bar in 1807. One of Helston's most famous residents, Bob Fitzsimmons, the first man to be world middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight boxing champion, has a plaque located at his birthplace in Wendron Street. Today Helston has many shops, cafes and several restaurants. There are also many attractions and gardens in the area, including Penrose Estate, Poldark Mine and Flambards Theme Park. The Royal Naval Air Station of Culdrose is just outside the town, and an Air Day is held here every July. Flora Day is celebrated each May 8th with dancing and festivities in the streets. The origins of this event are pre-Christian and relate to the coming of spring. This event is hugely popular and attracts thousands of visitors each year.