This
area of Cornwall has been populated for well over two thousand
years. In the 2nd Century B.C. the Dumnonia Tribe built their
major hill-fort 'Castle-an-Dinas' as the tribal citadel for the
whole of Devon and Cornwall. It was in the late Roman era of the
5th Century that the descendants of the Dumnonia moved from the
hill-forts and founded present day St. Columb.
St.
Columb was granted Market Town status by Royal Charter in 1333
after Sir John Arundell supported Edward III in his battles against
the Scots. The town reached its peak in both prosperity and power
in the mid 19th Century, when it was so serious a contender to
become Cornwall's Cathedral City that the Bishops Palace was constructed
in 1850 known locally as The Old Rectory, which is now a private
residence.
As
well as the 15th century church, (housing the finest church brasses
in Cornwall), St. Columb has many notable buildings demonstrating
various styles of architecture. Buildings worth visiting include
the 'spired' red brick Barclays Bank, the old Bank House in Market
Square and the Old Rectory, built to house the Bishops of Cornwall,
these are but a few.
St.
Columb Major is set amidst the beautiful rolling farmlands of
North Cornwall. St. Columb has a rich tapestry of history with
many fine buildings which tell the story of its previous importance
as the cultural, administrative, banking and agricultural centre
of the region.
A
more recent addition is the highly popular Carnival held on the
first week in August. This is when the townsfolk of St. Columb
come out in all their splendour, from the smallest children to
the oldest inhabitants and join in with gusto, every shop playing
its part - the whole town goes back in time. A whole weeks worth
of entertainment from street markets to Theme Day on the Thursday,
culminating with Saturday evening's Carnival, when all the inhabitants
spontaneously participate in the Carnival parade and entertainment.
Sun,
surf and sand on the exceptional beaches of North Cornwall, Wild
west shows and adventure parks or peaceful walks through stunning
countryside and the mystical aura of ancient Bronze Age hill-forts.
Whatever your pleasure, everything is within a stone's throw of
our unique town. Carnivals, Music recitals, Flower Festivals;
join in the hustle and bustle of Cornish country life or sit back,
enjoy the atmosphere and relax.
How to find us
Accommodation: St. Columb has several excellent camp sites on
the outskirts with Bed & Breakfast establishments available
locally within the town. Eating out: a diverse host of food establishments
include restaurants, public houses and coffee shops. St. Columb
is situated beside the A39 between Wadebridge and Newquay. With
excellent road access, its close proximity to the airport and
the British Rail station at Newquay, the town is ideally placed
to serve as a base from which to explore the unique county of
Cornwall.
Visit St. Columb
Major:
We'll look forward to seeing you, and you can rest assured of
a warm and friendly welcome in the heart of Cornwall.
The
text and pictures on this web page are taken from a full colour
brochure
produced by ourselves for St. Columb Major Chamber of Commerce
