QUIZ ONE – FALMOUTH
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Well done! You know your Town and Your History! 5 gold stars awarded and a flagon of ale
Henry VIII should send you to the dungeons of Pendennis for your foolishness!
#1. Which monarch ordered the construction of Pendennis Castle to defend the Carrick Roads from invasion?
Fun Fact: It was built as a circular fortress so it could defend against attacks from all 360 degrees!
#2. Which beloved children’s classic was famously inspired by letters written at The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth?
Fun Fact: Kenneth Grahame wrote the letters to his son, describing the river life of Ratty and Mole right here on the Fal.
#3. In 1805, the schooner Pickle landed at Falmouth to deliver what world-shaping news?
Fun Fact: The news of Nelson’s victory and death then raced to London by horse-drawn coach.
#4. Falmouth Harbour is world-renowned for its depth. Where does it rank globally for natural deep-water harbours?
Fun Fact: It is the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe, reaching depths of 34 metres
#5. On October 2, 1836, which famous scientist stepped off the HMS Beagle at Falmouth to end his five-year voyage?
Fun Fact: Darwin immediately hopped on a mail coach to see his family, carrying the notes that would eventually lead to On the Origin of Species.
#6. Just off Custom House Quay stands a tall, square brick chimney known as “The King’s Pipe.” What was its primary purpose in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Fun Fact: Customs officers used it to destroy smuggled tobacco and “damaged” goods that hadn’t paid the Crown’s tax. The smell of burning tobacco used to waft through the entire town!
#7. In 1839, Falmouth was the site of a daring heist involving ÂŁ47,600 worth of gold dust arriving from Brazil. Who was the mastermind behind the theft?
Fun Fact: Lewis Casper used a bogus messenger to sign for the gold before the real one arrived. He was eventually caught and transported to Australia for 15 years.
#8. If you look out from Castle Beach at low tide, you might see the remains of two German vessels. How did they get there?
Fun Fact: After WWI, several surrendered U-boats were being towed to Falmouth to be used as targets, but they broke free and sank right on the beach where they remain today.
#9. Before the town was officially named Falmouth in 1661, what was the original name of the settlement?
Fun Fact: It sounds like a joke about money, but it’s actually an anglicised version of the Cornish “Pen-y-cwm-cuic,” which means “head of the creek.”
#10. Leading from The Moor up to the heights of the town is a famous set of steep steps known as Jacob’s Ladder. How many steps must a pilgrim climb to reach the top?
Fun Fact: They were built by a property developer named Jacob Hamblen to link his businesses at the top of the hill to the town center below.