Bodmin 

Visit Bodmin Town Website

(The external website above will open in a new window)

Historical notes about the Town of Bodmin

The Town of Bodmin

Bodmin, the county town of the Duchy, around which a good deal of its history, both political and ecclesiastical, is gathered. But it must be admitted that the town possesses little that is a worthy memorial of its importance in the recorded story of Cornwall. Scattered fragments of the ancient monastery remain, but the sole substantial relic of the past is the church, the largest in the county. It dates in the main from the second half of the fifteenth century, though there is Norman and Early English work in the tower and chancel, and the font is a particularly elaborate example of the Norman style. Until 1699 the church had a spire which was considered to be one of the finest in England.

Bodmin is the scene of an historical event which must take a high place among happenings that are grim and grotesque as well as true. At the close of the rebellion of 1549, which has been already mentioned, the King sent his emissary, Sir Anthony Kingston, into these parts to do "justice" to the rebel leaders. That worthy duly informed Nicholas Boyer, Mayor of Bodmin, that it was his pleasure to dine with him. The mayor was a little flattered and more than a little intrigued when Sir Anthony told him, as the meal began, that he must have a gallows put up at once for the execution of a rebel. At the conclusion of the feast, Sir Anthony asked to see the gallows. He then inquired if it was strong enough, and on receiving an affirmative reply exclaimed: "Up with thee then, for thou art the man! Thou hast been a busy rebel."

North and north-east of Bodmin the so-called Bodmin Moors, a somewhat bleak and desolate region which culminates in the height of Brown Willy and Rough Tor, stretch away to the vicinity of Launceston on the Devon border. It plays an appropriate part in the Arthurian legend. According to tradition it was to Dozmary Pool that the sword Excalibur was returned after the passing of Arthur, and Slaughter Bridge was the scene (though there are dissentient voices on this subject) of that last great battle in which the royal saint met with the fatal wound.

But if the interior is somewhat featureless, the coast between Padstow and Bude is indescribably grand, the names of Tintagel, Boscastle, Crackington Cove and Bude having become almost household words.

All temptation to add to the number of lyrical ecstasies that have been poured out on the subject of Tintagel must be sternly resisted here, especially as imagination, and legend which is only just more than imagination, are so largely responsible for its story and attractions. Left to itself, the ruin is all but mute and to its origin and fate. Leland, writing in the first half of the sixteenth century, says that

The one thing certain is that all the existing ruins date from the period hundreds of years after the age of Arthur. But is not out to throw doubt on legends and traditions which are certainly of immemorial antiquity; and questions as to whether the King ever lived at all, and if so at Tintagel or elsewhere, have nothing to do with the fact that this mighty ruin-crowned headland is one of the most romantic and impressive spots to be found in the British Isles.

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor extends almost to Launceston and is rather unjustly neglected in spite of its scenery, trout fishing, and archaeological remains. Bolventor (Jamaica Inn) is a good centre for exploration of Rough Tor, Brown Willy, Seven Men's Moor, Dozmare Pool, etc.

 

Definitions: Follow this link for an explanation of what is a city, town, village and other community and of the local authority structure of the UK

Historic images from around the Town of Bodmin

This small selection of historic images of Bodmin are from our British National Image Library. You may click on the thumbnail pictures to view larger versions and read what information we have regarding the image.

St Petro'c Reliquary

St Thomas's Chapel

Bodmin Abbey

St Petroc's Well

Bodmin Assizes

There may be more historic images of Bodmin here.

Public Events in and around Bodmin

If you are organising an event in Bodmin then let us know about it and we will put a link to your event here and what's more we'll do it for FREE. The earlier you do it the better as not only will visitors to this Bodmin page see details of your event but so will visitors to our North Cornwall pages and really big events will be displayed at national level too. Follow the link immediately below

To find out how to add an event diary listing

It's FREE, so enter your event now!

Hotels, Apartments and B&B's in Bodmin

The visitor accommodation options for Bodmin listed below are supplied by LATE ROOMS and BOOKING.COM from a selection of over 16,000 hotels located throughout the UK.

(Clicking on the Hotel Name or Image will open a new window with full details of the chosen property)

 Bedknobs Bb 

 

 Priory Cottage 

 

 Lanhydrock Hotel And Golf Club 

 

 Trehellas Country House Hotel 

 

 Westberry Hotel 

 

 Baconnion Barton 

 

 Cobble 

 

 Dairy Cottage