A Brief Introduction to Helston, Cornwall

A small town and a civil parish in the English County of Cornwall, Helston has a population of about ten thousand. It is located only three kilometres from Penzance. It is also the most southerly town in the whole of the United Kingdom and the second oldest town in Cornwall.

During the golden age of the town, it was a significant place in the industries of tin mining and also an important rural centre with a significant cattle market.

The town is located on the banks of the River Cober and was originally an inland port. However, the town is no longer a report due to the way to the sea now being blocked by a sandbar. Due to this, there is now the biggest natural fresh water lake in the county. Though this was originally highly damaging to the town, it eventually recovered due to its tin mining, coining and other industries.

There are various places of interest in the town and an abundance of medieval architecture and thatched roof cottages.

Quite idyllic in many ways, the town is also a fairly popular place for tourists a stopover. There are a number of significant church is including the church of Saint Michel and one of the common attractions is the birthplace of Robert Fitzsimmons, the world boxing champion of the late nineteenth century.

The town is also known for a number of special annual events. The most notable of these is the Flora day which occurs annually on May 8. On this day a number of traditional local dances take place know as the Furry Dance, something that supposedly originated from Helston itself.

Another thing the town is famous for is the Helston Town band which originated in the turn of the century. The Helston Town Band is a brass band with various members whose families have been involved in it for almost a hundred years.