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Falmouth ( on the south coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom . It has a population of 20,775 (2001 census). It was originally called Peny-cwm-cuic, which became 'Pennycomequick'. Falmouth is famous for its Harbour . Together with Carrick Roads , it forms the third largest Natural Harbour in the world. It is also famous for being the start or finish point of various round-the-world record breaking voyages, such as those of Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen MacArthur . HISTORY Sir John Killigrew created the town of Falmouth in 1613, and in about 1540 Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to defend Carrick Roads. During the Civil War , Pendennis Castle was the second to last fort to surrender to the Parliamentarians . In the late sixteenth century, under threat from the Spanish Armada, the defenses at Pendennis were strengthened by the building of angled ramparts. It is a favourite trick for locals, who know the walls, to scale them in summer to avoid paying the entrance fee. The news of Britain's victory (and Admiral Nelson's Death) at Trafalgar was landed here from the schooner Pickle and taken up to London by stagecoach. Falmouth Packet The Falmouth Packet Service operated out of Falmouth for over 160 years between 1689 and 1851. Their purpose was to carry mail to and from Britain's growing empire. Arrival of the Railways The Cornwall Railway reached Falmouth on 24 August 1863 . The railway brought new prosperity to Falmouth, as it made it easy for tourists to reach the town. It also allowed the swift transport of the goods recently disembarked from the ships in the port. The town now has three railway stations. Falmouth Docks Railway Station is the original terminus and is close to Pendennis castle and Gyllyngvase beach. Falmouth Town Railway Station was opened on 7 December 1970 and is convenient for the National Maritime Museum , the waterfront, and town centre. Penmere Railway Station opened on 1 July 1925 towards the north of Falmouth and within easy walking distance of the top of The Moor. All three stations are served by regular trains from Truro on the Maritime Line . After falling into disrepair Penmere Station underwent renovation in the late 1990s, using the original sign and materials, and is now a fine example of an early 20th century railway station. CURRENT ECONOMY Whilst Falmouth's maritime activity is much declined from its heyday, the docks are still a major contributor to the towns economy. The bunkering of vessels, and the transfers of cargoes, also keep the ports facilities busy. Further up the sheltered reaches of the Fal there are several ships laid up, awaiting sailing orders and/or new owners/charterers. With its fine Georgian town houses converted into guest houses and small hotels, often overlooking one of the beaches, Falmouth has proven a popular holiday destination and it is now primarily a tourist resort. The five main beaches starting next to Pendennis Castle and moving along the coast towards the Helford river are Castle, Tunnel, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth beach. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall opened in February 2003 . UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FALMOUTH Formerly Falmouth College of Arts, University College Falmouth has two campuses in the Falmouth area; the original town site, Wood Lane, and the other in the Combined Universities In Cornwall campus at Tremough , Penryn . The College offers courses chiefly in the fields of Art and Media Studies. MISCELLANEA There is a year-round ferry service to St Mawes, on the other side of Carrick Roads. During the holiday season several other ferry services operate, mainly site seeing cruises up the Fal. These vessels are also available for hire. During the Second World War, 31 people were killed in Falmouth by German bombing. It was also the launching point for the famous Commando raid on St Nazaire . NOTABLE RESIDENTS
FICTIONAL RESIDENTS
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