kids encyclopedia robot

Civil parishes in Cornwall facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are special places in the southwest of England. They are known for their beautiful coastlines, rich history, and unique culture. To help manage these areas, they are divided into smaller parts called civil parishes and towns. Think of these as local communities, each with its own identity and often its own local council that helps make decisions for the people living there.

What are Civil Parishes and Towns?

In England, a civil parish is the smallest type of local government area. It's like a local neighborhood or village area that has its own council. These councils look after things like local parks, community halls, and footpaths. They help make sure the area is a good place to live.

A town is usually a larger area than a civil parish, with more people and often a bigger local council. Some towns are also civil parishes. A city is even bigger, like Truro in Cornwall, which is the only city in the county. An unparished area means there isn't a civil parish council for that specific spot.

Exploring Cornwall's Communities

Cornwall is a large county with many different communities. Each one has its own English name and often a traditional Cornish name too! The Cornish language is an important part of Cornwall's heritage.

Towns in Cornwall

Many towns in Cornwall are busy centers with lots of people and activities. Here are some of the larger ones:

  • Bodmin (Cornish: Bosvenegh) is a historic town with a population of about 12,881 people. It used to be a very important center.
  • Bude–Stratton (Cornish: Bud–Strasnedh) is a popular coastal town with around 9,242 residents, known for its beaches.
  • Camborne (Cornish: Kammbronn) is one of the biggest towns, with about 20,010 people. It has a strong history linked to mining.
  • Falmouth (Cornish: Aberfal) is a large port town, home to around 26,767 people. It's famous for its harbor and university.
  • Helston (Cornish: Hellys) has about 9,780 residents and is well-known for its annual Flora Day festival.
  • Launceston (Cornish: Lannstefan) is a historic market town with a castle, home to about 7,135 people.
  • Liskeard (Cornish: Lyskerrys) has a population of around 8,656 and is a gateway to Bodmin Moor.
  • Looe (Cornish: Logh) is a charming fishing town with about 5,280 residents, split into East and West Looe.
  • Lostwithiel (Cornish: Lostwydhyel) is a smaller town of about 2,739 people, known for its antique shops.
  • Newquay (Cornish: Tewyn Plustry) is a very popular seaside resort, with a population of about 19,423. It's famous for surfing.
  • Padstow (Cornish: Lannwedhenek) is a lovely fishing port with around 3,162 residents, known for its food scene.
  • Penzance (Cornish: Pensans) is a major town with about 21,168 people. It's a busy port and a great base for exploring West Cornwall.
  • Penryn (Cornish: Penrynn) is a historic port town with around 7,166 residents, close to Falmouth.
  • Porthleven (Cornish: Porthleven) is a smaller coastal town of about 3,190 people, known for its picturesque harbor.
  • Redruth (Cornish: Resrudh) has a population of about 12,352 and is another town with a strong mining heritage.
  • Saltash (Cornish: Essa) is a town of about 14,964 people, located on the River Tamar, close to Plymouth.
  • St Austell (Cornish: Sen Ostell) is a large town with around 18,378 residents, famous for its china clay industry.
  • St Blazey (Cornish: Lanndreth) has about 6,632 people and is near the Eden Project.
  • St Columb Major (Cornish: Sen Kolomm Veur) is a smaller town of about 3,984 people.
  • St Ives (Cornish: Porth Ia) is a beautiful coastal town with around 11,165 residents, known for its art scene and beaches.
  • St Just in Penwith (Cornish: Lannyust) is a town of about 4,690 people, located near the very tip of Cornwall.
  • Torpoint (Cornish: Penntorr) has about 8,457 residents and is a naval town on the Rame Peninsula.
  • Truro (Cornish: Truru) is the only city in Cornwall, with a population of about 17,431. It's the county's administrative center.
  • Wadebridge (Cornish: Ponsrys) is a town of about 6,351 people, located on the River Camel.

Civil Parishes in Cornwall

Many smaller communities in Cornwall are civil parishes. These areas vary greatly in size and population. Some are very small, while others are quite large. They all play a part in the local life of Cornwall. Here are just a few examples:

  • Advent (Cornish: Sen Adhwynn) is a small civil parish with only 153 people.
  • Altarnun (Cornish: Alternonn) is a larger civil parish with 976 residents.
  • Breage (Cornish: Eglosbrek) has a population of 2,955.
  • Calstock (Cornish: Kalstok) is a large civil parish with 6,095 people.
  • Carn Brea (Cornish: Carn Bre) is a significant civil parish with 7,466 residents, named after a famous hill.
  • Constantine (Cornish: Lanngostentin) has 1,705 people.
  • Crowan (Cornish: Egloskrowenn) is home to 2,375 residents.
  • Gwennap (Cornish: Lanwenep) has 1,501 people and is known for its historic mining landscape.
  • Illogan (Cornish: Egloshal) is a large civil parish with 5,585 residents.
  • Lanner (Cornish: Lannergh) has 2,493 people.
  • Ludgvan (Cornish: Ludewan) is a civil parish with 3,184 residents.
  • Mevagissey (Cornish: Lannvorek) is a charming fishing village and civil parish with 2,221 people.
  • Perranzabuloe (Cornish: Pyran yn Treth) is a large coastal civil parish with 5,382 residents.
  • Roche (Cornish: An Garrek) has 2,876 people and is known for its distinctive rock outcrop.
  • St Agnes (Cornish: Breanek) is a popular coastal civil parish with 7,257 residents.
  • St Cleer (Cornish: Sen Kler) has 3,257 people.
  • St Dennis (Cornish: Tredhinas) is a civil parish with 2,696 people.
  • St Stephen in Brannel (Cornish: Eglosstefan) is a large civil parish with 6,775 residents, also linked to the china clay industry.
  • Tintagel (Cornish: Dintagell) is a famous civil parish with 1,822 people, known for its legendary castle.
  • Tywardreath and Par (Cornish: Chi war Dreth ha Porth) has 3,161 residents.
  • Veryan (Cornish: Elerghi) is a civil parish with 982 people, famous for its unique round houses.
  • Wendron (Cornish: Egloswendron) has 2,476 residents.
  • Zennor (Cornish: Sen Senar) is a small, historic civil parish with 217 people, known for its mermaid legend.

The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are a beautiful group of islands off the coast of Cornwall. They are also divided into civil parishes.

  • Bryher (Cornish: Breyer) is a small island civil parish with 92 people.
  • St Agnes (Cornish: Ragynys) is another island civil parish with 73 residents.
  • St Martin's (Cornish: Brechiek) has 142 people.
  • St Mary's (Cornish: Ennor) is the largest island and civil parish in the Isles of Scilly, with a population of 1,666.
  • Tresco (Cornish: Ynys Skaw) is an island civil parish with 180 residents, famous for its Abbey Garden.
  • Wolf Rock is an unparished area with no permanent residents, known for its lighthouse.

These civil parishes, towns, and the city of Truro, along with the islands of Scilly, all contribute to the rich tapestry of life in this unique part of England. Each one has its own story, its own people, and its own place in the history and future of Cornwall.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Civil parishes in Cornwall Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.