Guide To Saint Austell

St Austell was a village centred around the parish church, until the arrival of significant tin mining in the 18th century turned it into a town.

St Austell is named after the 6th century Cornish saint, St Austol, a disciple of St Mewan. In a Vatican manuscript there is a 10th century list of Cornish parish saints. This includes Austoll, which means that the church and village existed at that time, shortly after 900.

St Austell is not mentioned in Domesday Book (1086). However A. L. Rowse, in his book St. Austell: Church, Town, and Parish, cites records which show a church was dedicated on 9 October 1262 by Bishop Bronescombe, and other records show a church there in 1169, dedicated to "Sanctus Austolus". The current church dates from the 13th–14th centuries, and was extended in 1498–99. The join between the two sections is still visible.

In the time of Henry VIII, St Austell is described as a poor village. In John Leland's Itinerary he says, in around 1542, "At S. Austelles is nothing notable but the paroch chirch". Neither travel writer, John Norden (c. 1547–1625) or Richard Carew (1555–1620) in his Survey of Cornwall mentioned St Austell as a place of any consequence. Oliver Cromwell granted a charter to hold a market on Friday, as a reward to a local gentleman who fought for him at the battle of Boconnoc.

The village started to grow in the 18th century. The nearby Polgooth mine became known as the greatest tin mine in the world. Around 1760 the Land's End to Plymouth road went through the town. Along with William Cookworthy's discovery of china clay at Tregonning Hill in west Cornwall, and the same mineral, found in greater quantity in Hensbarrow downs north of St Austell, the town became more prominent.

China clay mining soon took over from tin and copper mining as the principal industry in the area, and this eventually contributed enormously to the growth of the town. The china clay industry really only came into its own during the mid 19th to early 20th century, at a time when the falling prices of tin and other metals forced many mines to close down or convert to clay mining. The success and high profitability of the industry attracted many families whose breadwinner had been put out of work by the depression in the local metal mining industry, and increased the population of the town considerably. This meant that more shops and businesses took root, providing more jobs and improving trade. This, along with other factors, led to St Austell becoming one of the ten most important commercial centres of Cornwall.

Local attractions include:

The Eden Project: 10 minutes
Beautiful beaches and fabulous coastline: south coast from 15 minutes, north coast from 25 minutes
Cornwall’s top National Trust property at Lanhydrock: 10 minutes
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: 25 minutes
Many glorious gardens: e.g. Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens: 10 minutes
Picturesque fishing harbours with delicious seafood: from 15 minutes
And, much, much, more...

Polkerris, Near Fowey
Small attractive west facing cove in the shelter of a harbour wall. Popular with families because of its safe bathing. Access - Short walk to the beach from car park. Toilets. Refreshments. Seasonal dog ban.

Charlestown, St Austell
Large, stoney very safe private harbour beach with Tall ships and childrens playground. Access - disabled access south side. Refreshments and toilets. All year dog ban.

Porthpean, St Austell
Attractive east facing beach. Popular family beach because of its safe bathing. Super rock pools at low tide. Easy access on slight incline from the car park. Seaside Award 2006. Toilets. Refreshments. Seasonal dog ban.

Pentewan, St Austell Bay
Large expanse of sand over half a mile long. The surrounding beach area is occupied by Pentewan caravan park. The beach is private but access is allowed from Pentewan village. Note that the Pentewan village car park is very small. East facing. Flat easy access to the beach. Water sports available. Refreshments and toilets. Seasonal dog ban.

Gorran Haven, St Austell Bay
Attractive east facing sandy beach which connects to Great Perhaver beach at low tide. Popular with families because of its safe bathing. Easily accessed from car park down a slight incline. Toilets. Refreshments. Dog friendly beach. Regarding disabled access we advise that you contact the local Tourist Information Centre 01726 844857.

Porthluney Cove (also known as Caerhays),
An excellent, privately owned, secluded family beach with a large expanse of golden sand. South facing, right in front of Caerhays Castle, which provides a striking backdrop. Plenty of room for beach games. Toilets. Refreshments. Disabled access. Dog friendly beach. Car park.

Charlestown, St Austell
One of Cornwall’s most unspoilt fishing villages. Majestic tall ships now berth here. It is a favourite TV and film location; and, you can examine 200 years of fishing, migration and smuggling at the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre.

Mevagissey, St Austell
Mevagissey with its picture-postcard harbour, has tiny streets winding past shops and cob cottages leading down to its distinctive twin harbours. Mevagissey remains a working harbour, and provide the skate, lobster, plaice and sole served in one of the many restaurants. Gorran Haven with its picturesque anchorage for smaller boats is close by.

Fowey, St Austell
Fowey is a gem. It is port, resort and outstanding natural harbour. Narrow streets, fine old cottages and taverns; with Polruan, linked by ferry, on the other bank. Fowey’s captivating mix of old and new sees the meeting of fishing boats with stylish yachts, traditional pubs with trendy restaurants and rich heritage with contemporary lifestyle.
Fowey Festival of Arts and Music is held every May.

Padstow
Padstow still has plenty of fishing boats and has recently become renowned for being home to Rick Stein’s spectacular restaurants and is often referred to as “Padstein”. Sweeping bays, rugged headlands, crafts, jewellery and clothes shops, and the harbour top of its appeal. Cycle the Camel Trail from Wadebridge as a great way to visit. May Day each year sees the ‘Obby ‘Oss Festival.