Falmouth
Falmouth is a maritime town on the South coast of Cornwall, 12 miles from Truro.
It is well known as a port and seaside resort, with a mild climate and three sandy beaches, and is now the largest town in the county.
However, until the 17th century it was a tiny fishing village. It was the realisation by Sir Walter Raleigh that the estuary of the River Fal, known as the Carrick Roads, is one of the largest natural harbours in the world that transformed it into a highly successful trading port in the 18th century.
The Falmouth Mail Packet service started operating in 1688, and by 1827 it boasted 39 overseas mail vessels.
The main street runs parallel with the shore.
St. Charles the Martyr Church dates from 1661, and is one of only a few dedicated to the executed Charles I.
The Custom House incorporates a brick chimney called the Queen's Pipe, where contraband tobacco was destroyed.
Pendennis Castle, built in the 1540s on the orders of Henry VIII, guards the headland.
There is a small passenger ferry which runs to St. Mawes, and another runs to Flushing. Steamers sail up the Fal to Truro.
The National Maritime Museum is situated close to the Docks.
Falmouth Bay is said to be home to a sea monster named Morgawr.