Penzance is a town right on the coast of Cornwall. It is one of the most westernmost towns in the country. The actual translation for the name Penzance means Holy Head so it is thought that the name of the city relates to the chapel that was placed at the headlands. Another reference to a holy head is found in the town symbol which depicts the head of John the Baptist.
The Lescudjack castle is one of the oldest buildings and sites in the whole town as it comes from the Iron Age. The town was not an overly popular place to live as it was raided by many Barbary Corsairs. There were particular issues with Spanish fleets raiding the town after the Spanish Armada. It was not until the raiding stopped that the town began to grow in size.
Penzance began to grow when it was able to hold a market and charge harbor dues. The town built a market house and pier in the early 1500s and the city was greatly improved in the 1700s. Penzance has since become very important to the region as the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall was started here of which the Prince regent was a patron.
Some of the early important industries included fishing, agriculture and mining. There were many mining schools in the area including the Penzance Mining and Science School. The main mining product was tin and there was a large smelting house in town. The success of the mining industry led to an increase in commercial banking.
The history of Penzance is extensive and the historical section is located at the center of town which is considered a conservation area. You can view many Georgian and regency homes throughout town. Another historic are is the harbor and seafront. You can visit the Jubilee Bathing Pool at the promenade which is one of the oldest of its kind designed in the Art deco style. There was a period of time that Penzance was a popular seaside resort.
In June you can attend the Golowan Festival which is a celebration for midsummer. There are many bonfires and fireworks each year. Penzance also has some extensive celebrating on May Day. The Cornish version of Halloween known as Allantide is also very popular. Instead of Halloween the day is linked to St Allen.
Penzance is also famous due to Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance as this town is the home of the pirates. The town has several theaters which provide music, movies, dance and cabaret.
The Lescudjack castle is one of the oldest buildings and sites in the whole town as it comes from the Iron Age. The town was not an overly popular place to live as it was raided by many Barbary Corsairs. There were particular issues with Spanish fleets raiding the town after the Spanish Armada. It was not until the raiding stopped that the town began to grow in size.
Penzance began to grow when it was able to hold a market and charge harbor dues. The town built a market house and pier in the early 1500s and the city was greatly improved in the 1700s. Penzance has since become very important to the region as the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall was started here of which the Prince regent was a patron.
Some of the early important industries included fishing, agriculture and mining. There were many mining schools in the area including the Penzance Mining and Science School. The main mining product was tin and there was a large smelting house in town. The success of the mining industry led to an increase in commercial banking.
The history of Penzance is extensive and the historical section is located at the center of town which is considered a conservation area. You can view many Georgian and regency homes throughout town. Another historic are is the harbor and seafront. You can visit the Jubilee Bathing Pool at the promenade which is one of the oldest of its kind designed in the Art deco style. There was a period of time that Penzance was a popular seaside resort.
In June you can attend the Golowan Festival which is a celebration for midsummer. There are many bonfires and fireworks each year. Penzance also has some extensive celebrating on May Day. The Cornish version of Halloween known as Allantide is also very popular. Instead of Halloween the day is linked to St Allen.
Penzance is also famous due to Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance as this town is the home of the pirates. The town has several theaters which provide music, movies, dance and cabaret.
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