Mousehole
OS Grid Ref:- SW468264
Picturesque Mousehole, two miles south of Penzance, is the archetypal Cornish village and boasts what is said to be one of the most beautiful harbours in Britain, once a thriving centre for pilchard fishing. Its granite cottages progress quaintly down the steep hillside to the waters edge. Pronounced 'Mauzl' the name possibly derives from the Cornish 'mouz bel' or maiden's brook.
Mousehole copyright Adam Burton
Reproduced courtesy of Adam Burton Photography
The tranquil village has a surprisingly violent history, it was sacked by a Spanish raiding party in July 1595, during the course of which the whole village was burnt. One house survived the holocaust, that of Squire Keigwin, who was tragically killed while defending it. The Elizabethan manor house, distinguished by a porch of granite columns, the oldest in the village, still stands to the present day.
The last recorded speaker of the ancient Cornish language, Dorothy Pentreath, was a native of Mousehole and died there in 1777 at the age of 102. Her grave can be seen in the churchyard of Paul on the hilltop above the village.
Mousehole was described by one of its admirers, the poet Dylan Thomas as 'the loveliest village in England'. The Ship Inn celebrates an annual Cornish tradition at Christmas time. On Tom Bawdock's Eve - 23 December dish of Stargazy pie is baked in the pub, in remembrance of the courageous fisherman who ventured out to sea in a ferocious storm to save the town from starving over Christmas 200 years ago and returned with a huge catch of fish.
Near to the village stands the Wild Bird Hospital, over the last 70 years it has saved the lives of thousands of wild birds, particularly seabirds. It was started by two sisters, Dorothy and Phyllis Yglesias.
The Mousehole Christmas Illuminations are held every year to raise money for charity and carried on in memory of the victims of the Penlee lifeboat disaster. The lights are switched on in mid December and remain until the Friday at the end of the first week in January. The switching on ceremony is attended by the Mousehole Male Voice Choir and accompanying brass band.
A walk from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove
Distance - 4 miles
Duration - Around 2.5 hours
*Commencing at Mousehole harbour follow the steep road which leads out of the village. On reaching the top of the hill continue along the footpath thrrough fields to the village of Kemyel Crease.
*Cross further fields to Kemyel Wartha before following the wooded path which passes a now disused quarry to arrive at Lamorna Cove.
*Return to Mousehole via the coastal path which passes scenic Penzer Point