Penzance is a town right on the coast of Cornwall. It is one of the most westernmost towns in the country. The actual translation for the name Penzance means Holy Head so it is thought that the name of the city relates to the chapel that was placed at the headlands. Another reference to a holy head is found in the town symbol which depicts the head of John the Baptist.
The Lescudjack castle is one of the oldest buildings and sites in the whole town as it comes from the Iron Age. The town was not an overly popular place to live as it was raided by many Barbary Corsairs. There were particular issues with Spanish fleets raiding the town after the Spanish Armada. It was not until the raiding stopped that the town began to grow in size.
Two big changes that drew in more residents was the town's ability to charge for using the harbor as this brought more money to the town as the ability to have a market. The market house and pier were built in the 1500s and underwent a huge renovation and expansion in the 1700s. Penzance is known for its branch of the Royal geological Society of Cornwall as the Prince regent was a patron of this branch.
Some of the earlier more important industries were mining, fishing and agriculture. There were several very famous mining schools, one example being the Penzance Mining and Science School. The main mining product was tin and one of the largest smelters was found in Penzance. With the success of mining it was possible to have a successful commercial banking enterprise.
Much of the main part of town is actually a conservation area so there is plenty of history and culture to see. You can view many Georgian Buildings and Regency homes and the harbor has its own compelling history. You can visit the Jubilee Bathing Pool and the promenade at the seafront. The bathing pool is the oldest bathing pool of its kind created in the Art deco style. This was built for the short period of time that Penzance functioned as a seaside resort.
There are several fun festivals and celebrations each year as the Golowan festival is an excellent midsummer celebration. You can attend one of the many firework displays or bonfires. May Day is also known for its celebration and instead of Halloween, Allantide is celebrated.
You may also recognize Penzance form the famous Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, the Pirates of Penzance.
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