Penzance Timeline

More about Penzance

A timeline of history for Penzance (but applicable to a wider area) taken from [Saundry 1931 & 1936]. Take care that this is read in the context of the publication date, particularly for the later years.

A proportion of the same text can be found in [Rees 1956]. Additional material from this source has been emphasised.

Interesting and Notable Events

Connected with Penzance &c.,
From A.D. 1014

Inaugurated by the late CHARLES H. UREN

• 1014—Mount’s Bay inundated by a “mickle seaflood” when many towns and people were drowned.
• 1099—The Bay again inundated by the Sea.
• 1265—Appropriation of Madron Parish by Knights Hospitallers.
• 1284—Chantry of St. Mary’s founded.
• 1332—Edward III. granted a weekly market on Wednesdays and a fair of seven days at the festival of St. Peter (29th June).
• 1397—Chapel of St. Mary, or Our Lady, licenced by Bishop of Exeter.
• 1404—Penzance Market granted by Henry IV. to Lord Berkeley.
• 1497—September, Perkin Warbeck landed at Whitesand Bay, Sennen.
• 1512—Mar. 16. Charter from Henry VIII. granting profits from all ships visiting the harbour.
• 1514—Marazion burnt by the French.
• 1537—August. Naval Engagement in Mount’s Bay between the French and English.
• 1578—Town visited by plague.
• 1592—Royal Grant of Market to Penzance by Queen Elizabeth.
• 1595—July. Spaniards landed at Mousehole, and burnt part of Penzance.
• 1598—Royal Charter granted to Marghasiewe (Marazion) by Queen ELizabeth confirming the Charter granted by Henry III in 1257.
• 1614—May 9. Penzance incorporated as a Borough by Charter granted by James I. John Maddern the first Mayor
• 1629—Penzance Market tolls let for £13.
• 1630—Penzance Quay Dues let for £21 (earliest recorded date).
• 1634—Turkish Pirates infest the coast. [“Turk” was a description of any raider of Moorish or North African origin]
• 1642—The Mount seized by Charles I.
• 1646 & 1648—Town sacked by the Parliamentary soldiers.
• 1647—Town again visited by plague.
• 1656—Penzance Quay dues let for £25 per annum.
• 1663—Penzance created a Coinage Town by Royal Charter. Ceased in 1838.
• 1670—The Silver Maces now in use provided.
• 1680—St. Mary’s consecrated as a Chapel-of-ease to Madron.
• 1686—The four Borough Boundary stones set up.
• 1704—School for Poor at Madron founded by George Daniel.
• 1721—New Regalia of Penzance Mayoralty
• 1740—Battery built on rocks near the Old Quay.
• 1742–3—Fire Engine and Twelve Leather Buckets purchased by the Corporation.
• 1743—John Wesley first Preached on Wesley Rock at Heamoor
• 1757—Old Reservoir, Causewayhead, constructed.
• 1760—Pirates visited Penzance.
• 1766—Old Pier built. Extended in 1785, in 1812 and in 1853.
• 1768—Jews’ Old Synagogue built.
• 1769—“Mount Sinai” (Freemasons) Lodge established.
• 1777—Quakers’ (second) Meeting House erected.
• 1778—Dec. 17. Sir Humphry Davy born in Market-jew Street. Died at Geneva, 29th May, 1829.
  Wherry Tin Mine commenced working. Ceased in 1838.
• 1779—Grammar School founded by the Corperation. Closed 1898. Rev. Trimer Bennett the last Master.
  The Mount Batteries fire on Pirate Ship. The last Engagement in the Bay.
• 1791—Assembly Room, Union Hotel, built by private subscription.
• 1795—First Lighthouse on the Longships erected.
• 1797—First Exhibition of Penwith Agricultural Society.
• 1801—Population 3,382.
• 1807—Independent Chapel built. Enlarged 1870.
• 1809—Public Dispensary instituted.
• 1811—Population 4,022.
• 1814—Wesleyan Chapel built. Enlarged 1864.
  Royal Geological Society of Cornwall founded at Penzance by Dr. Paris.
• 1815—Oct. 19. Capstone (weighing 3 tons) of Lanyon Quoit, Madron, blown off in a gale of wind. Replaced in 1824.
• 1817—Jan. 20. Great Storm and extraordinary High Tide. Much damage (£5,000) done to the Quay, Shipping, Boats, Houses etc.
  Trengwainton Mansion House erected by Sir Rose Price, Bart.
• 1818—Penzance Library established. Removed to Morrab Gardens, 1889.
  Savings Bank established. Closed 1893.
• 1821—Population 5,224.
• 1824—April 18. The Logan Rock thrown off its balance by Lieut. Goldsmith. Replaced November, 1824.
• 1825—The first steamer came into Penzance Harbour.
• 1826—Commercial Buildings, Parade Street erected.
  Borough Gaol erected at St. Clare Street. Sold in 1867.
  Western Hotel built.
  Old Poor House on Market-jew Terrace taken down.
  First Lifeboat stationed at Penzance. Since then seven other Lifeboats have been placed here, and 167 lives saved. Closed 1917.
• 1827—September 24, 26 & 27. Grand Wrestling Match.
  Leskinnick Water Shoot erected.
• 1829—Clarence Street Water Shoot erected.
• 1830—Gas first introduced into Penzance.
  First Waterworks for Penzance.
• 1831—Population 6,563.
• 1832—Foundation Stone of St. Mary’s Church laid.
  Penzance made a Polling-place for West Cornwall.
• 1833—Water Shoots at top of Quay Street and at Parade Street erected.
• 1834—National School, Abbey Street erected. Since used as a School for Cookery.
• 1835—Shamble Market erected.
• 1836—Baptist Chapel built.
  Old Market House taken down.
• 1837—Penwith Annuitant Society established.
• 1838—June 14. Present Market House opened.
  Penzance Union Workhouse built at Madron.
• 1839—“Penzance Gazette” first published.
  Primitive Methodist Chapel built. Enlarged 1899.
  Natural History and Antiquarian Society instituted.
• 1841—Population 8,578.
• 1843—St. Paul’s Church erected. Enlarged 1893.
  Western Promenade constructed.
• 1844—Butter and Vegetable Market built.
• 1845—Feb. 26. Oddfellows’ Lodge established.
  July. Foundation Stone of Albert Pier laid.
• 1846—July. Flooding of East Wheal Rose 43 men drowned).
  Sept. 5. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the Bay and St. Michael’s Mount, the latter landing at Penzance
• 1847—Roman Catholic Church built.
• 1848—The Institute established.
  Chess Club instituted.
• 1850—“Cornish Telegraph” Newspaper first published.
  Beacons erected on the Cressers and Ryeman Rocks.
• 1851—No. 1 Reservoir, Madron, constructed.
  Mary Kelynack, an old Newlyn fishwife, walked from Penzance to London with her fish cowl on her back to see Queen Victoria who accepted ½-lb. of Tea from her as a present from Penzance.
  Waterworks and Sewarge Scheme commenced.
  Population 9,214.
• 1852—Aug. 25. West Cornwall Railway opened from Penzance to Truro.
• 1853—School of Art opened at the Temperance Hotel.
  Old Pier extended.
  Old St. Hilary Church burnt on Good Friday, March 25th.
• 1854—Serpentine Works erected at Wherry Town.
  Nov. 18. Newlyn Fishing-Boat, “Mystery,” sailed to Australia.
• 1855 and 1856—Horse Races on the Eastern Green.
• 1856—Cemetery opened.
  All England Eleven Cricket Match at Clowance.
• 1858—Choral Society Established.
  Cricket Club instituted.
• 1859—Rifle Volunteer Corps formed.
• 1860—Balcony of Star Hotel removed.
  June. Exhibition of Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association at Nancealverne.
  Artillery Volunteer Corps formed at St. Buryan. Removed to Penzance in 1887.
• 1861—Queen’s Hotel built. Enlarged 1871 and 1908.
  Population 9,414.
  Sept. 10. Foresters’ Court established.
  New Church at Marazion built.
• 1861–69—Lighthouse prepared at the Trinity Yard, Old Quay, for erection on the Wolf Rock. First lighted in December 1869.
• 1862—Foresters’ fete at Nancealverne.
• 1863—Oct. Swimming Matches first held.
• 1864—Post office removed from Chapel Street to Market House.
  Railings placed along Market-jew Street Terrace.
  Corpus Christi Fair held on site of Public Buildings for the last time.
• 1865—Peal of Bells placed in St. Mary’s Church Tower.
  July 24. Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Alexandra Road opened.
  July 24. Horse Races on the Eastern Green.
  Railings placed on the Western Promenade for the first time.
  Wesleyan Day Schools built at Chapel Street. Enlarged 1894.
• 1866—St. Peter’s Church, Newlyn, consecrated.
• 1867—“Three Tuns” Hotel, Green Market, discontinued.
  February. Railway Viaduct at Chyandour washed down.
  St. Paul’s Ecclesiastical Parish formed.
  Parade Passage widened.
  Sept. 9 and 10. Public Buildings opened.
• 1868—Jan. 31. Railway Viaduct washed away the second time. Stone viaduct constructed soon after.
• 1869—Pottery Works at the Folly closed.
  June. Exhibition of Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association held at Penzance.
  Predicted tidal wave at Penzance, flowed as high as top of Promenade wall on a calm day.
• 1870—“Tidings” Newspaper first published.
  Last time the Old Borough Bounds were beaten.
• 1870–1871—Extension Pier widened.
• 1871—Mayor’s Chain and Badge purchased.
  Population 10,425.
  St. Mary’s Ecclesiastical Parish formed.
  National Schools, Queen Street, built.
• 1872—Oct. 17. Sir Humphry Davy’s Monument inaugurated.
• 1873—West Cornwall Dispensary and Infirmary established at St. Clare. Re-built 1906.
• 1873—Excursion Brakes first ran to Land’s End.
  Balleswidden Mine, St. Just, ceased working.
  Nov. 19. I.O. Rechabites instituted.
• 1875—Art Exhibition at Penzance.
  Granite Jetty removed from end of Albert Pier.
• 1876—Visit of British Archaiological Association.
• 1877—May. Opening of St. Ives Railway.
  Midsummer Eve. Last time of Fireworks Carnival in the Green Market.
• 1878—The Castle at St. Michael’s Mount renovated and enlarged.
  January. Ding Dong Mine ceased working after having worked continuously for 100 years.
  July 18. “Cornishman” Newspaper first published.
• 1879—Visit of Royal Institution of Cornwall on August 1st.
  Present Railway Station opened.
  Feb. 11 to 15. Davy Celebrations in St. John’s Hall.
  High Street Chapel built. Enlarged 1893.
  Jordan Baptist Chapel disused as a place of worship and converted into the Central Hall.
• 1880—School of Art erected.
  Arcade, Market Jew Street, built.
  Oct. 7. Road between Penzance and Newlyn washed away by sea.
  Dec. Carillon placed in St. Mary’s Tower.
• 1881—St. John’s Church erected.
  Population 11,198.
  Morrab Road commenced.
  Aug. 1. Choral Society’s Fete and Bazaar at Polwithen.
• 1882—St. John’s constituted an Ecclesiastical Parish.
  Bolitho’s Tanyard at Chyandour discontinued.
  August. First East End Regatta.
  Sept. 25. Scientific and Industrial Exhibition at St. John’s Hall.
• 1883—Marazion Corporation disolved under “Municipal Corporations Act, 1883.”
  New Lighthouse erected on the Longships.
  Post Office built. Enlarged 1893.
  Norton’s Baths on Western Promenade removed.
  Salvation Army Barracks established.
• 1884—Aug. West Penwith Fisheries Exhibition held at the Public Buildings.
  Newlyn Pier South Arm built. Extended 1913–1914.
  Nov. 11. Floating Dock opened.
• 1885—June. Exhibition of Roal Cornwall Agricultural Association at Treneere.
  December 5. Contested Election between Sir John St. Aubyn and Charles Campbell Ross (St. Aubyn elected).
• 1886—July 15. Contested Election between Sir John St. Aubyn and Samuel Barrow. (St. Aubyn elected).
  Newlyn Pier North Arm erected. Extended in 1892.
  New Coastguard Station built.
  July 28. Hawke murders and suicide. Victims: Mr. Charles Uren, Mrs. Uren and Mrs. Gerrard.
• 1887—Public baths opened.
  Rechabite Hall, Taroveor Road, built.
  Independent Brass Band formed.
  Young Men’s Christian Association instituted.
  July. Mr. T.B. Bolitho elected M.P. (unoposed) for this division. Resigned Sept., 1900.
  “Golden Lion” Inn, Market Place, converted into an outfitter’s shop.
  Helston Railway opened for traffic.
• 1888—July. Morrab House and Grounds bought by Corporation for £3,120.
  Camera Club, Park Corner, instituted.
• 1889—United Methodist Free Church, Parade Street, re-built.
  July 1. Bolitho’s Bank converted into a Limited Company.
  Sept. 27. Morrab Gardens opened.
  First Chrysanthemum Show.
• 1890—Mining and Science Schools established.
  Artillery Drill-hall erected.
• 1891—Mar. 9. The Great Blizzard. No train ran from Redruth to Camborne for four days.
  Population 12,199.
• 1892—May. Conversion of Broad Gauge on G. W. R. into Narrow [Standard] Gauge.
  Royal Naval Reserve Sheds built at Chyandour.
• 1893—Jan. 10. Wheal Owles, St. Just, inundated. 20 miners drowned.
  Roman Catholic School built.
  July 7. “Princess May” Recreation Grounds opened.
  “Edward Bolitho” Convalescent Home, Laregan, erected and endowed by Mr. T. Bedford Bolitho, of Trewidden.
  Oct. 13. Free Library opened.
  Penzance constituted a Meteorological Station.
• 1894—Penzance divided into 3 Civil Parishes under Local Government Act, 1894, viz.: Penzance Civil, Penzance-in-Madron, and Madron-in-Penzance.
  July & 1896 July. The Prince of Wales’ Yacht, “Britannia,” raced in Mount’s Bay Regatta and won the first. It beat the American cutter, “Vigilant”, by 7 minutes 4 seconds.
  Nov. 11. Great Flood in West Cornwall. 2.33 inches of rain fell at Penzance in 24 hours 52,778 gallons per acre.
• 1895—Steam Fire Engine presented to the Borough by Mr. R. F. Bolitho, of Ponsandane.
  County Police Station erected at Chyandour.
  Young Women’s Christian Association founded.
  St. John’s School erected.
  Aug. Botallack Mine stopped working. Re-opened in 1907–8.
  Passmore Edwards Art Gallery erected at Tolcarne in memory of John Opie, the Artist.
• 1896—May. Newlyn Riots.
  Consolidation of Borough Debt.
  July. Trereiffe Smelting Works closed.
  Penzance Club built in Alexandra Road.
  Double Sea-wall built from Cornwall Terrace to western end of Promenade.
  Corporation £3 per cent. Stock created.
  Nov. 16. Failure of Batten, Carne & Carne’s Bank.
  Nov. 26. Branch of Capital & Counties Bank opened.
• 1897—Newlyn Green acquired.
  June 22. Empress Avenue opened.
  Aug. Old Sheep Market Wall demolished.
  Western Promenade laid with slabs of concrete.
• 1898—St. Mary’s Schools, Redinnick, opened.
  June. Exhibition of Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association at the fair field, Treneere.
• 1899—Green Street property purchased by the Corporation.
  Mount’s Bay Club, Queen Square, formed.
  May 23. Arrival of the 2nd Batt. D.C.L.I. at Penzance.
  May 24. Trooping of the Colours at Castle Horneck by H.M.S. Leda, 1st C.R.G.A., 2nd Batt. D.C.L.I., and A Co. 1st V.B.D.C.L.I.
• 1900—Sept. 1. Mr. Edward Hain of St. Ives, elected M.P. for this division (unopposed). Retired 1906. Knighted 1910.
• 1901—Central Club, New Street, instituted.
  Population 13,136.
• 1902—April 9. Visit of H.M. King Edward VII. to Penzance and St. Michael’s Mount.
  Sept. 29. Chamber of Commerce established.
• 1903—Branwell’s Mills, Gulval, closed. Demolished 1911.
  July 17. Alexandra Grounds opened. Land given by Mr. T. Robins Bolitho, Trengwainton.
  United Methodist Church erected in Alexandra Road.
  Infectious Diseases Hospital built.
  Alms House at Gulval Cross, erected and endowed by Mr. R.F. Bolitho.
• 1903–4—Berm and Landing Stage built opposite Queen’s Hotel.
• 1904—South African War Memorial erected in Morrab Gardens.
• 1905—July 1. Bolitho’s Banking Co. taken over by Barclay & Co.
  Bandstand on Western Promenade presented by Mr. R.F. Bolitho.
• 1906—Jan 25. Contested election between Clifford John Cory and Philip Edward Pilditch (Cory elected).
  February. Riviera Palace Hotel (Polwithen) first licenced. Enlarged 1908. Closed 1917.
  Feb. 17. Branch of Lloyds’ Bank opened.
  June 4. First Horse Parade.
  July. Jews’ Synagogue (New Street) sold.
  Aug. Two shelters erected on Western Promenade.
  Dense Fogs infested the coast of West Cornwall continuously from May to August. (Unprecedented).
  Sept. 21. Great successful swim by Mr. Richard Hicks (of Penzance) from Newlyn Pier to St. Michael’s Mount in 2 hours and 5 minutes.
  Oct. Old Coinage Hall and Triangular Cellars taken down.
  Nov 19 to 24. Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Public Buildings.
  Dec 26 to 28. Heavy fall of snow.
• 1907—May 24. First celebration of Empire Day by 2,030 children at the Recreation Grounds.
  July 3. “Queen’s Head” Inn, New Street, closed under Licensing Acts.
  Oct. 16. Alms Houses at Treneere opened by the Bishop of Truro. Erected and endowed by Mr. R. F. Bolitho.
  Nov. 29. Richmond Wesleyan Chapel, Tolver Place, opened.
• 1908—Jan. “Cornish Telegraph” and “Tidings” purchased by the “Cornishman” Newspaper co., and carried on as distinct newspapers, as before.
  Feb. Sailors’ Institute and Bethel opened.
  Jan. 13. “Clarence Hotel” Causewayhead, closed under Licensing Acts.
  June 18–20. Corpus Christi Fair held at Poltair.
  Wharf Road built between Newlyn and Street-an-nowan.
• 1909—March 3, 4 and 16. Fall of Snow.
  June 2. Visit of the Lord Mayor (Sir George Wyatt Truscott) and Sheriffs of London, when the former unveiled the memorial to Dr. Hugh Montgomerie at the West Cornwall Infirmary.
  Nov. Battery Square purchased by the Corporation.
  Penzance County School for Boys erected at Treneere.
• 1910—Jan. 27. Contested election between Sir Clifford John Cory and Major Cecil Bingham Levita, M.V.O. (Cory elected).
  July 18–24. Large Fleet of nearly 200 British Warships assembled in Mount’s Bay for a review which did not take place.
  July 23. Mr. Grahame White made a circuit of the above Fleet in his aeroplane.
  Dec. 14. Contested Election between Sir Clifford John Cory and R.E.L.Vaughan-Williams (Cory elected).
  Dec. 14. “Ship” Inn, Quay Street, closed under Licensing Acts.
  Dec. 15. Picturedrome opened at the Central Hall.
• 1911—Lifeboat House and Slip built at Penlee point.
  Population 13,328.
  April 18. Notable bequest of about 7,000 books by Rev. Prebendary Hedgeland, late Vicar of St. Mary’s, Penzance, added to the Penzance Library in Morrab Gardens.
  July 1. About 60 Whales became stranded on the Eastern Beach, near Ponsandane.
  July 8. Maximum Temperature 83.7 degrees [Fahrenheit]. Highest recorded since Meteorological Station was intituted.
  Bowling Club started.
  The “Ship” Institute for Seamen, built by Miss Nora Bolitho, of Laregan, at Street-an-Nowan, Newlyn.
• 1912—Feb. New road to Longrock from Ponsandane siding opened for traffic.
  May. Electric Light introduced into the town.
  June 2 & 3. Exhibition of Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association at Nancealverne.
  June 24. Chyandour Smelting works closed after being in operation nearly 200 years.
  Pavilion opened.
  Aug. 13, &c. Road at Longrock flooded by water from the Marsh for three weeks.
  Aug. A large number of Sharks visited the Bay.
  Oct. 4. Visit of H.R.H. the Duchess of Albany to Penzance and St. Michael’s Mount.
  Nov. 9. The Serpantine Works (since demolished and renamed Bedford Bolitho Gardens) at Wherrytown presented to the Town by Mr. T.B. Bolitho.
  Nov. 29. Cinema opened as Picture Theatre, Causewayhead.
  Dec. 18. “King Edward VII,” Beerhouse, Parade Street, closed under Licensing Acts.
• 1913—Feb. Granite Pulpit erected in Paul Parish Church in memory of Rev. R.W. Aitken, the late Vicar.
  April 5. Fire and Nos. 19, 20 and 21 Market-Jew Terrace.
  New Offices etc., erected for the Western Union Cable Co., at Alverton.
  Aug. 8. Two Bells, completing a peel of eight, and Electric Clock, placed in Gulval Church Tower, in memory of Rev. W. W. Wingfield, late Vicar of the Parish.
  Sept. 23. Penzance County School for Girls opened at Treneere.
  Oct. 25. New Lifeboat House at Penlee opened.
• 1914—March 14. Botallack Mine closed.
  April 17. Big Fire in New Street. Skating Rink and Steam Laundry burnt out.
  New light installed in the Pier Lighthouse, 1,000 candle power. Fog horn also installed.
  July 28. European War—Special Service Section of the Territorial Force (50 men) on duty at Porthcurno and Sennen.
  Aug. 2. All Naval Reserves and Pensioners re-called for mobilization. Great consternation in Penzance and District.
  Aug. 5. Army Special Reserve and Territorial Force mobilized.
  Aug. 10. First Prisoners of War Camp at Chyandour Barracks.
  Aug. 16. 70 German prisoners of war brought to Penzance and lodged at Chyandour.
  Sept. 7. 100 Army Recruits arrived from Bodmin.
  Sept. 7. War Recruiting Meeting in St. John’s Hall.
  Sept. Penlee Gardens (renamed Richard Bolitho Gardens) completed.
• 1915—Jan. 22. Mount’s Bay Volunteer Training Corps formed.
  Jan. 26. 600 Officers and men 8th (Service) Batt. Northants Regiment arrived for training, and billeted in town. Departed May 15th.
  Jan. 29. Penzance Wesleyan Day Schools closed.
  Jan. 30. 300 Officers and men of 14th (Service) Batt. West Yorks Regiment arrived for training, and were billeted. Departed May 31st.
  Feb. 8. Lescudjack Council Schools (cost between £9,000 and £10,000) opened. First Council Schools in Penzance.
  April 29. Newlyn Pier extension (100 feet), including tidal observatory, of which there are only two in the Kingdom, completed and new Lighthouse used for the first time.
  Oct. 1. Opening of the Market Hall (formerly the Guildhall).
  Nov. 12. Terific gale caused much damage to property and uprooted large trees.
  During the year large numbers of crews from merchant ships torpedoed by German Submarines were landed, including 95 on one day and 135 on another.
• 1916—May 24. Formal opening of Bedford Bolitho Gardens (formerly old Serpentine Works) given by the late Mr. T.B. Bolitho; and of the Richard Bolitho Gardens (formerly Newlyn Green), cost of laying out defrayed by Mr. R.F. Bolitho, and forming the Tercentenary Memorial.
  Oct. West Penwith and District Canine Society started.
  Oct. Ancient Bronze cannon believed to be from the Armada, found at Low Lee, presented to the town, and placed in front of the Free Library.
  Nov. Continuous heavy S.E. gales, doing considerable damage along the sea front.
  Nov. 17. Town Clock stopped striking at night until remainder of the war.
• 1917—Jan. 16 to Feb. 12. The most severe spell of frosty weather experienced since 1895. Frost recorded on 13 days during this period. Minimum temperature 25.2 degrees [Fahrenheit] on Feb. 6th.
  March to June. Shortage of Potatoes. Majority of households having none for weeks.
  June 16. Lifeboat sold and Lifeboat house closed.
• 1918—Nov 11. Armistice Day. Glorious termination of the Great War. Enemy signed the Armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
  Dec. 14. Contested Parliamentary Election. Sir Clifford Cory, Bart. (C. Liberal) A.E. Dunn (Lab.) & Capt. Mitchell, R.N. (Ind. Unionist). (Cory elected).
• 1919—Jan. 3. U 101. surrendered German submarine, visited Penzance and open for public inspection.
  March 15. Penzance Naval base closed after nearly four years. From February, 1915, to close, 10,585 vessels, carrying 17 million tons of cargo, escorted in convoy from Mount’s Bay to France. 35 vessels lost. 582 lives saved by escorting vessels. Patroling vessels saved nearly 4,000 lives. Penzance patrol salved 28 vessels. About 70 vessels were employed at the base and the personel was 1,200 officers and men. Men of base raised nearly £500 for charities.
  March 29. V.A.D. Hospital closed. 1,082 patients.
  March 31. War Hospitals Supply Depot closed. Opened Aug., 1915. Sent away nearly 153,000 articles.
  May. 120,000 eggs sent away for National Egg Collection since Oct., 1915.
  June 22. Centenary celebrated of Penzance (Morrab Gardens) Library.
  June 27. Motor Ambulance presentation at Trengwainton to Penzance Ambulance Division.
  July 19. peace celebrations. Procession, civic and public bodies, &c. Children entertained. Dancing on Promenade.
  Mrs. W.E.T. Bolitho gave Cricket Field as a sports ground for the town in memory of her husband, Lt.-Col. Bolitho D.S.O., who died on service.
  Sept. 27. Train service suspended. Railwaymen struck at midnight, Sept. 26. Visitors stranded. Strike ended Oct. 5. Local train service renewed Oct. 6th.
  Sept. 30. Tol Pedn Motor Char-a-banc left Penzance with passengers and baggage for London.
  Oct. 20. Levant Disaster. Man Engine broke. 31 men killed, 11 injured. Worst calamity to Cornish mining.
  Present G.W.R. Stone Embankment at Chyandour commenced; completed 1921.
• 1920—Feb. 2. Butter 5/– [5 shillings] lb.
  Feb. 7. Demonstration by a thousand St. Just and Pendeen miners and clay workers, who marched to Penzance as a protest against the price of butter. Overturn cans of milk into the harbour.
  June 26. First Folk Dance Festival in Cornwall held at Penzance.
  July 20. Mrs. T.R. Bolitho made a magistrate. First lady magistrate for Penzance.
  Aug. 27. H.M.S. Hood, the largest battleship in the world, visited Mount’s Bay.
• 1921—June 1st to July 14th. Six weeks drought, excepting light showers on June 25th.
  Population 12,096.
  June 14. Y.M.C.A transferred from Causewayhead to Market Jew Street.
  Oct. 20. Levant Mine Cost Book Company wound up. Last of the Cornish Cost Book Companies.
• 1922—May 14. penzance War Memorial, at the Old Battery, unveiled.
  Nov. 15. Contested Election between Mr. J.A. Hawke, K.C., and Sir Clifford Cory. (Hawke elected).
• 1923—March. Public Baths taken over by Private Company and Cafe Marina constructed.
  Aug. 4. Battery Road opened.
  Aug. 25. New Motor Lifeboat “Two Brothers” dedicated off Promenade and posted at Penlee Station.
  Nov. 6. St. Mary’s Inn closed.
  Dec. 6. Contested Parliamentary Election. Sir Clifford Cory, Bart. (Liberal), J.A. Hawke, K.C. (Unionist), A.E. Dunn (Labour). (Cory elected).
• 1924—April. Council decided to light Public Clocks in Market House by Electricity.
  May. Old Guns, formerly on Promenade removed to T.B. Bolitho Garden.
  Market House corner lighted by Electricity for first time.
  June. Alexandra Bowling Green and Tennis Courts acquired.
  Nov. 5. Contested Parliamentary Election. Mr. J.A. Hawke K.C. (Unionist), and Sir Clifford Cory, bart. (Liberal). (Hawke elected).
• 1925—July. Copies of Translation of the Borough Charter obtained by the Town Council.
  August. Fund opened for provision of New Ambulance for St. John’s Ambulance Brigade. Ambulance presented to Brigade 5th. November.
  Lloyds Bank built in Market House on site of Corn Exchange.
• 1926—May 3. General Strike proclaimed. Train and other Services curtailed.
  Nov. Winter Garden opened on the Promenade.
• 1927—April. Children’s Ward at West Cornwall Infermary opened.
  May. Ratepayers’ Association formed.
  Dec. Motor Fire Engine given to the Borough by Mr. R.F. Bolitho, Ponsandane.
  Dec. Market Inn, Union Inn, Castle Hotel and Golden Lion Hotel closed under Licensing Acts.
• 1928—Carcase Market removed to Princes Street.
  March 8. Parliamentary By-Election. Mrs. Runciman (Liberal), Sir A. Caird (Conservative), F.J. Hopkins (Labour) (Mrs. Runciman elected).
  July. New Primitive Methodist Church at Newlyn opened.
  Sept. 21. Cornish Gorsedd revived. Celebrations at Boscawen-un after a lapse of 1,000 years.
  Nov. 7. Fatal Fire at New Street. 2 men burnt.
• 1929—March 29. Closing of Queen Stret National Schools.
  May 30. Contested Parliamentary Election. Rt. Hon. W. Runciman (Liberal), Sir A. Caird (Conservative), A. Forster (Labour). (Runciman elected).
  June 8. Centenary of Sir H. Davy.
  June 12 & 13. Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show at Trengwainton.
  June 24. Midsummer Beacon Bonfires instituted.
  New Church at Carbis Bay built.
  Swimming Matches held in the harbour.
  West Cornwall College purchased York House.
  Driest Summer recorded for 120 years.
  “St. Levan” Freemasons’ Lodge established.
  Car Park opened.
  Introduction of the “Talkies” in Penzance.
  Lady Councillors first elected to Town Council.
  November and December. Exceptionally Heavy Gales, uprooting many trees and doing much damage.
  December 6th. Wreck of S.S. Frances Duncan off Land’s End.
  December 7th. Wreck of S.S. Ornais II at Perranuthnoe.
• 1930—May. Parc Wartha Housing Estate commenced building.
  May. Nurses’ Hostel of the West Cornwall Hospital commenced building.
  July 12th. Visit of Princess Helena Victoria, in connection with the Y.M.C.A.
  July 15th to 19th, First visit of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society’s Exhibition to Penzance.
  July 18th to 21st. Visit of H.M.S. Renown and H.M.S. Tiger.
  August 2nd to 10th. Visit of the Band of the 2nd Battalion D.C.L.I.
  August 25th. St. Mary’s Bells re-cast and re-dedicated. Rev. Canon F.R. Carr, Vicar.
  Oct. Levant and Geevor Tin Mines suspend operations.
  Widening of the Penzance to Hayle Main Road.
  Double line constructed between St. Erth and Marazion.
  Ten Creek Avenue and Trendeal gardens built.
  Dec. Mayor’s Dinner for the Corporation Workmen. First for many years.
  A number of tree-trunks forming a portion of the submerged forest in Mount’s Bay were exposed on the lug sand at Larigan Beach, Penzance, after a violent storm.
• 1931—Population 11,342.
  Jan. 20. Appointment of Mr. J. H. D. Nicholas, Town Clerk.
  March. Formal opening of the Parc Wartha Estate.
  Mar. 12. Town Clerk’s Office removed to the Municipal Buildings.
  April 10. Fire at Mr. J. H. Slade’s Shipbreaking Yards, Wharf Road.
  May 22. Empire Day Celebrations for the Children, revived by the Mayor.
  June 30. Formation of the St. Michael’s Society (Penzance), Ltd., with the object of removal of the slums.
  July. New Tennis Courts at Alexandra Grounds and Bolitho Gardens completed.
  Aug. 8. Prisoners tried at Penzance Borough Quarter Sessions. 3 cases from outside the Borough, under the Criminal Justice Act of 1925. First occasion.
  Aug. 12. to Oct. National Crisis—Departure from the Gold Standard.
  Aug. 15. Launching of the Penlee Lifeboat, “W. & S.”
  Aug. 22. Penzance Carnival and Dance revived.
  Aug. 30. Dedication of St. Just War Memorial.
  Sept. 1. Mr. E. W. J. Nicholson appointed Town Clerk, vice Mr. J. H. D. Nicholas, who was appointed Assistant, Sept. 9th.
  Sept. Flood Lighting of the Municipal Buildings, in connection with the Faraday Centenery.
  Review of County Districts by the County Council commenced, under the Local Government Act, 1929.
  Commencement of the Cattle Market Extension Scheme, and the New Sewerage Scheme.
  Sept. 19. Wreck of S.S. Laminge at Gurnard’s Head.
  Sept. 21 to Oct. 1. Visit of S.S. Capri, and filming of a portion of “The Verdict of the Sea,” at the Harbour.
  Oct. 16. Parliamentary Election, Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman returned unopposed. Later appointed President of the Board of Trade, and Member of the Cabinet.
  Nov. 3. Wreck of S.V. St. Anne at Porthleven.
• 1932—Mar. 4. Wreck of Belgian Trawler, Omer Denise, at Coverack.
  Mar. 4. Wreck of S.S Ocklinge, at Coverack.
  Ap. 8. Formation of Regional Planning Committee for West Cornwall, under the Provisions of the Town Planning Acts.
  Ap. 14. Official Opening of Cattle Market extension.
  Ap. 19. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough was conferred upon Alderman W. J. Bazeley, J.P., Alderman B. C. Matthews, Alderman C. Poole, Howell Mabbott, Esq., J.P., and J. H. Tonkin, Esq., J.P.
  May 6. Official Opening of the Fun Fair at the Bedford Bolitho Gardens.
  July 25. Provincial Lodge of Free Masons held at Penzance presided over by Provincial Grand Master Brig.-Gen. Lord St. Levan, C.B., C.V.O.
  Aug. 9. Raid on St. Hilary Church, and removal of Ornaments.
  Aug. 14. Introduction of Sunday Tennis.
  Aug. 19. First visit of Sir. Alan Cobham. National Aviation Display.
  Aug. 19–27. Penzance Carnival week, including visit of Park and Dare Silver Band.
  Sept. 13. Wreck of S.S. Glamorgan Coast at Cape Cornwall.
  Sept. 25. Demonstration in Morrab Gardens on the occasion of the Union of the Three Methodist Churches.
  Oct. 12. New Sewerage Scheme completed.
  Oct. 30. Wreck of Auxiliary Schooner, Sarah Evans, at Portreath.
  Nov. 4. Foundation Stone laid at St. Michael Housing site by Mrs. John Charles Williams (in the unavoidable absence of Brig.-Gen. Lord St. Levan, C.B., C.V.O.) and blessed by Walter, Bishop of Truro.
  Nov. 16–19. Inquiry into proposed extension of the Borough Boundaries, under the Provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929.
  Nov. 30. Extensive alterations at the West Cornwall Hospital including New X-Ray Dept., New Sterilizing Room and New Mortuary.
• 1933—Jan. 11. Penalverne Estate purchased. Penalverne Lodge also purchased by the Corporation through the generosity of Councillor A. E. Ellis.
  Mar. 28. Land adjoining Treassowe Road conveyed by Captain J. Lionel Rogers to the Council on very generous terms, for use as a Public Garden.
  Mar. 31. Chain of Office presented to the Corporation for the use of the Mayoress, by Councillor A. E. Ellis.
  Mar. 31. Freedom of the Borough presented to Richard Acutt Courtney, Esq.
  May. Penalverne Housing Scheme. Tender of Mr. J. H. Lobb in the sum of £26,404 accepted for the erection of 84 houses and work commenced.
  May 31. Official opening of St. Anthony Gardens. The Granite Fountain formerly outside St. John’s Hall placed in these gardens.
  June 19. Work commenced at Princess May Recreation Ground on a new and improved Playground for children.
  June 25 to 27. Visit of Bertram Mills’ Circus.
  June 25. Mayor, Mayoress and Town Clerk attended Exeter Cathedral Octo-Centenary Celebration with the representatives of twenty other West Country Boroughs.
  June 27. Ponsandane Charity Scheme approved. First distribution Christmas, 1933.
  July 1. Abolition of the Penzance Burial Board. Duties and powers transferred to the Town Council.
  July 7. Official opening of eight new houses, erected by St. Michael’s Housing Society, by the Lord Lieutenant of the County,J. C. Williams, Esq.
  July 14 and 15. Royal Mount’s Bay Regatta.
  July to Oct. Longest Drought on record experienced. Penzance enjoyed a continuous supply of water, which was not turned off during the period.
  Aug. 21. to 26. Penzance Carnival Week. Two Queens elected.
  Sept. 13. Innovation made in the ceremonial of the Council. The Mayor entered the Council Chamber preceeded by a Sergeant at Mace bearing the Borough Maces.
  Oct. 18. Public Inquiry re proposed Bathing Pool at the Battery Rocks.
  Removal of the Foundry of Messrs. N. Holman & Sons. to more commodious premises at the Dry Dock.
  Oct. 30. Five Years Housing Programme approved by the Town Council for submission to the Ministry of Health.
  Nov. 3 and 4. Revival of the Chrysanthemum Show.
  Nov. 9. Ancient Office of “Le Yeoman,” revived.
  Dec. 3. Corporation visits Madron Church.
  Dec. 6. Councillor J. W. Meek sets up fund for the poor.
• 1934—Jan. 1. Children’s Playground in the Princess May Recreation Grounds opened.
  Jan. 31. Mayor’s Fund for distressed fishermen opened.
  Feb. 24. Council purchased Mennaye Estate.
  Mar. 23. Municipal Election for the Extended Borough.
  Apr. 3. Alderman J. W. Meek elected first Mayor of the Extended Borough.
  May 6. Wreck of Fishing Boat “Eureka” on Larrigan Bathing Beach.
  June 27. Royal Mount’s Bay Regatta.
  July 20. Floodlighting of Putting Greens.
  July 20. Appointment of R. C. E. Austin, Esq., LL.M., as Town Clerk etc.
  July 25–Aug. 31—Cornish Shakespearean Festival.
  Aug. 20. Visit of the Band of H.M. Grenadier Guards.
  Sept. Grant from the College of Heralds of Coat of Arms for the Extended Borough.
  Nov. 5. Beating of Bounds of the Extended Borough.
  Nov. 9. Alderman C. Tregenza, J.P., C.A., elected Mayor.
  Nov. 18. Visit of Corporation to St. Clement’s Methodist Church, Mousehole.
  Nov. 28. First Broadcast from Penzance. Albert Sammons and Penzance Orchastral Society, at St. John’s Hall.
  Dec. 8 and 9. Severe gale. New Bathing Pool exterior wall undermined. Fire Engine used to pump water out of Hotels on the sea front.
  Dec. 13. Inauguration of Air Service between London and Penzance by Provincial Airways, Ltd.
  Dec. 14. Police seize fifty cars in district as result of a round-up of a gang of Car Thieves who were operating from London.
• 1935—Mar. 3. The Mayor, Alderman C. Tregenza, visited H.R.H. The Prince of Wales at St. James’ Palace, with regard to the Jubilee Trust Fund.
  Mar. 27. Building commenced at Public Buildings Car Park, of the New Headquarters, St. John Ambulance Brigade.
  Mar. 28. Wreck of French Trawler “Le Vieux Tigre” at the Lizard.
  Apr. 9. Council decided to erect “Belisha Beacons” in Penzance at a cost of £300 of which £130 would be borne by the rates.
  Apr. 25. Start of Marathon Run, Penzance to London, with Jubilee message to H.M. The King. Mayor hands baton to runner.
  May 6. Rejoicings on occasion of Silver Jubilee of H.M. The King George V. Glorious Weather. Processions, Dances, Fireworks, Bonfires, Ship Burnt at Sea, St. Michael’s Mount and the Municipal Buildings Floodlit.
  May 31. Penzance Jubilee Bathing Pool, constructed at a cost of £15,000, opened by Alderman J. W. Meek, J.P.
  June 14. Serious fire at Cafe Marina.
  June 21. Wreck of 15,000 ton Oil Tanker “D. L. Harper” at the Lizard.
  June 30. Visit of Mayor and Corporation to the Trinity Methodist Church, Newlyn.
  July 16. Councillor T. H. Rodda presented a Piano for the use of the Boy’s Section of Lescudjack Council School.
  Sep. 26. The “Clan Malcolm” wrecked at the Lizard, with a crew of fifty.
  Oct. 6. The New Ambulance (cost £650) dedicated at Penzance by the Bishop of Truro, Dr. J. W. Hunkin.
  Oct. 9. Speed Limit; Borough of Penzance (Built-up areas) Order, 1935, sanctioned by Minister of Transport.
  Nov. 9. Alderman Robert Thomas, J.P., C.C. unanimously elected as Mayor.
  Nov. 14. The Parliamentary Election. Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman (National Liberal), elected M.P. for this division unopposed. Later appointed President of the Board of Trade and Member of Cabinet.
  Nov. 17. Church Parade at St. John’s Church to celebrate the Centenary of Municipal Government.
  From Nov. 24. Centenary Celebrations of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Penzance. Church Floodlit.
  Mayor’s Fund for the poor revived.
  Dec. 1. Church Parade to Madron, on occasion of Madron Feast.
• 1940–42—867 bombs dropped in the Penzance area, killing 16 persons and injuring 115 others; 48 houses completely destroyed, 157 seriously damaged, and 3,752 damaged. Total 3,957.

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