CHARLESTOWN, CORNWALL

Charlestown is a working port near St Austell, Cornwall in the far South West of England. It was developed in the Georgian era (specifically 1791-1798) as a new town, and named after local landowner Charles Rashleigh who had a hand in its design. It was built to facilitate the export of china clay from the region's quarries and, to a limited extent, still serves that purpose today. In 1790 the settlement was known as West Polmear and had a population of 9 people, this had swelled to 3184 by 1911.

Although Charlestown is approximately 2 miles (3.2km) from St Austell town centre, if you walk between the two you see that they have grown into each other and there is scarcely a break between them. The characters of the two towns are quite different however. Charlestown has remained relatively unchanged, and is very picturesque. The much larger town of St Austell however has a mishmash of architectural styles from the 15th century Holy Trinity Church to 1960s grey concrete structures.

Charlestown is popular with tourists who go to see the unspoiled architecture, paddle in the sea and visit the Charlestown Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. The port is used by local fishermen and about three times a month for the export of china clay. The turquoise/blue colour of the sea at Charlestown is due to particles of china clay in the water reflecting the light. Flooded china clay quarries, several of which can be found in the area, are a startling blue/green colour

The harbour and two (pebble) beaches (one on either side of the harbour entrance) are owned by Square Sail, a company who own and sail a fleet of tall ships, one or two of which can often be found at anchor in the harbour, and are frequently open for tours. The best-known tall ship to regularly visit the port was the Maria Asumpta - first launched in 1858 and was the world's oldest working square-rigger. The Maria Asumpta was very popular with tourists and locals alike. In May 1995 she ran aground and broke up on the north Cornish coast, like so many before her, with the loss of three of her sixteen crew.

Charlestown harbour is the home port for a famous collection of old ships which are employed in film projects all over the world - they have brought work and life to the quays and harbour buildings and are a particular draw for visitors.

CHARLESTOWN HOTELS

CHARLESTOWN ATTRACTIONS

Shipwreck and Heritage Centre - Located in a historic china clay building, the centre has the largest U.K. collection of artifacts and treasure recovered from shipwrecks.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Charlestown is served by St Austel Railway Station (1.5 miles) and Newquay Airport (14 miles)