Local Area - Helston 

Helston, at the Western edge of the Lizard Peninsula, was recently described as "Britain's best kept secret".  Dating from over 800 years, Helston (Cornish name Hellys) is the most southerly town in the UK. 

On the banks of the river Cober (Copper), Helston was once an inland port until access to the sea was blocked by the formation of Loe Bar that created the freshwater lake Loe Pool.  Famous for the annual medieval Furry Dance (or Flora Dance) it was formerly a tin-mining and cattle market town.

Upon King George V ascension to the Throne the construction of a park and lake commemorated the event.  Now known as Coronation Lake it was finally opened on July 20th 1912 and is now popular for boating and its restaurant.

The 196 tone granite Grylls monument was erected in 1834 as a memorial to Humphry Millet Grylls, a local banker and solicitor, who saved many jobs by thwarting potential mine closures in the area.

The monument was said to have been placed in front of a castle entrance, though this has never been proven.  Behind the monument, once a park area, is now the town's Bowling Club and Green.

Following the Helston 'Town Trail' (an heritage leaflet that can be obtained from the Helston Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01326 565431), in Coinagehall Street lies the Blue Anchor Inn.  From a lowly start as a Monks Rest, The Blue Anchor, known locally as ‘The Blue’ became a tavern in the 15th century. 

Producers of the renowned ‘Spingo’ ale, 'The Blue' continues to brew on the premises three strengths, of an original five, of the ale, making it the oldest brewery in Cornwall.  Those intending to sample Spingo are advised to start with ‘middle’ the weakest of the three. 

Also on the heritage trail you will find in Wendron Street, the birthplace of ‘Bob Fitzsimmons’ the multiple world champion heavy weight boxer of the late 1890s (click here for a site dedicated to him by his great great nephew David A. Jack).

At the age of eleven his family emigrated from Helston to New Zealand.  His career taking him on to the USA where he won three world championships at three different weights,  the only British born  

fighter to achieve this feat. He died at the age of fifty-five and lies at rest in Chicago Illinois where, after considerable time a group of Cornishmen raised the funds to have a memorial stone placed over the grave.  For some time a local public house was re-named in his honour but has recently reverted to its original name, the  ‘Seven Stars’.

Helston, of course, is widely known for the Flora Day dances held in the town on or around the 8th May annually. Three of the dances, the 7am, the mid-day and the 5pm, which start from the Town Hall, see local residents dancing a polka style dance along selected routes, and through the occasional shop or residence, to the sounds of the Town’s silver band.  The main dance at mid-day starts with the beat of the Bass Drum as the Town Hall clock strikes the hour.  Men involved in this dance are dressed in top hat and tails while their ladies wear ball gowns.

The town’s 1,000 odd children play their part by dancing at 10am. They are all from local schools and are dressed in white, the girls wearing different colour headbands depending on their school.

Throughout the day, at various locations, there are performances of the Hal-an-tow fertility rite.

For lots more information on Flora Day, Helston and the surrounding area please refer to our ‘Links’ section and click on ‘Helston History’

Nearby Helston, the secluded coves, tiny fishing villages and the beautiful Helford River are as yet unspoiled by the pressures of modern tourism. For those who prefer a livelier atmosphere the resort towns of St Ives and Falmouth are close by and offer an excellent selection of Restaurants, Discotheques and Theatres. Local attractions include Flambards Theme Park, The Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, Culdrose Air Base - public viewing enclosure and tours, and Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station.