Mousehole
Encyclopedia : M : MO : MOU : Mousehole
- See Mousehole (drilling) for the drilling term
History
Mousehole along with Marazion was until the 16th Century one of the principal ports of Mount's Bay. Before its decline as a major commercial centre, Mousehole also had a number of fairs and markets, the charter for a market on Tuesdays, with a fair for three days at the festival of St. Barnabas, granted to Henry de Tyes in 1292 [link]. Mousehole like many communities in Mount's Bay fell within the authority of the Manor of Alverton all early charters, fairs etc associated with Mousehole are associated with this manorial estate. Mousehole like Penzance, Newlyn, and Paul was destroyed in the 1595 Spanish Raid on Mounts Bay, the only surviving building being the 'Keigwin Arms' a local pub. Outside the Keigwin Arms (now a private residence) is a plaque with the wording "Squire Jenkyn Keigwin was killed here 23RD July 1595 defending this house against the Spaniards". Dolly Pentreath, who was arguably the last native speaker of the Cornish language, is often listed as coming from Mousehole. There is in fact a small memorial to her in Mousehole itself, although a larger one exists in the nearby parish of Paul, which is historically the mother church and mother community of Mousehole itself.
The Modern Village
Mousehole has seen a rapid decline in resident population since the 1980s and is now primarily a tourist area, however, it continues to host a vibrant variety of festivals and community actvities. Mousehole is known for its Christmas illuminations, created each year to raise money for charity. Since 1981, every December 19 the lights have been turned off in memory of the victims of the Penlee lifeboat disaster. Tom Bawcocks Eve is a unique celebration held on the 23rd December each year to celebrate the ending of a famine in the 16th century by local resident Tom Bawcock. This festival is the inspiration behind the book The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber and the associated television productions. This festival is also the origin of 'Star Gazey Pie' a mixed fish, egg and potato pie with fish heads protruding through the pastry. Mousehole also holds a small maritime festival ever 2 years called 'Sea, Salt and Sail' [link].
See also
External links
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