St Just in Penwith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Just
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Population | 4,812 (2011 Census including Bojewyan, Boleigh, Boscean, Botallack and Carnyorth) |
OS grid reference | SW371315 |
Civil parish |
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Unitary authority | |
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | PENZANCE |
Postcode district | TR19 |
Dialling code | 01736 |
Police | Devon and Cornwall |
Fire | Cornwall |
Ambulance | South Western |
EU Parliament | South West England |
UK Parliament |
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St Just (in Cornish: Cornish: Lan(n)ust), also known as St Just in Penwith, is a town in Cornwall, England. It is the most westerly town in mainland Britain. St Just is about 8 miles (13 km) west of Penzance.
The town is part of the Penwith area. It includes nearby places like Trewellard, Pendeen, and Kelynack. The parish of St Just has a population of 4,637 people (2011 census). St Just is also part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means it's a special area protected for its beautiful landscape.
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History of St Just
The exact identity of Saint Just, who the town is named after, is not fully known. Some people think it might be Saint Iestyn, a ruler's son from the 6th or 7th century. In 1478, it was believed the church held the bones of Justus of Trieste.
St Just is one of the oldest mining areas in Cornwall. You can still see signs of ancient mining activity in the landscape. For example, Ballowall Barrow, an old burial chamber, is nearby.
A place called Bosworlas in St Just parish might be named after Gorlois. He was a legendary duke of Cornwall. This name means "the Dwelling of Gorlois." It is close to Bosigran, which means "the Dwelling of Igerna," Gorlois's wife in old stories.
Churches and Schools in St Just
The main church in St Just is a beautiful building from the 15th century. It was rebuilt in 1336. Only the chancel (the area around the altar) from that time remains. The rest of the church was built in the 15th century. There are also two Methodist chapels in the town.
St Just is home to Cape Cornwall School. This school serves students from St Just and other nearby villages.
You can find eight old Cornish crosses in the parish. Some are in the vicarage garden or built into the church wall. Others are in places like Leswidden and Cot Valley.
Mining History
St Just has a very strong history of mining. In the 1800s, it was a very important area for mining copper and tin. Famous mines here included Wheal Owles, Levant, Botallack, and Geevor. Geevor mine closed in 1990 but is now a popular place for visitors. You can explore the history of Cornish mining there.
The mining boom in the 1800s caused the population of St Just to grow a lot. In 1861, there were 9,290 people living here. However, when the tin trade declined, the population also went down.
In 2006, the St Just mining district became part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. This means it's a very important historical place recognized around the world.
Geography of St Just
The Cot Valley is a nearby area with a stream that flows to the Atlantic Ocean. This area was also heavily mined in the past. The round boulders in Cot Valley Cove are special and interesting to scientists. Cape Cornwall is another important landmark nearby.
Culture and Local Traditions
St Just hosts the popular Lafrowda festival every July. It's a seven-day event that celebrates the community and arts.
An older tradition is the St Just Feast. This celebration happens every year to remember the dedication of the parish church in 1336. The Feast usually takes place in late October or early November. It's a two-day event with a church service and a parade. On Feast Monday, there's a larger celebration. In 1882, it was described as a time when "Rich and poor still at this season keep open house." Young people who worked away from home would return for the Feast.
St Just also has a 'Plen an Gwarry'. This is a Cornish term for a "playing place." These places were used for Cornish wrestling, outdoor performances, and entertainment. St Just's Plen an Gwarry sometimes hosts performances of the Cornish Ordinalia mystery plays.
The town has a lively art scene. Famous painter Kurt Jackson has lived here. Singer and comedian Jethro used to play for St Just Rugby Club. He even recorded a song called "St Just." Folk singer Martha Tilston released a song called "The Cape" about Cape Cornwall in St Just.
The children's TV show Jungle Junction is made by Spider Eye Productions in St Just. The local radio station is Coast FM. The Star Inn is a well-known pub in the town.
Cornish Wrestling in St Just
The St Just Plen an Gwari was often used for Cornish wrestling tournaments. This happened both in the past and more recently.
James Warren (born 1786) from St Just was a very famous Cornish wrestler. He became the champion of Cornwall. He was known as 'Little Jem Warren' or 'Little Hercules' because he was strong, even though he was not very tall. He also helped rescue people when a ship called the "Kent" caught fire.
Thomas White from St Just was the first trainer of Jack Carkeek in the US. Jack Carkeek later became the world Cornish wrestling champion.
Sport and Leisure
Cricket
St Just Cricket Club has been playing cricket since 1880. They are one of the most westerly cricket clubs in England. The club has been very successful, winning 10 championship titles in the Cornwall Cricket League since 1990.
St Just has three adult teams and a women's team. They also have a junior section for young players.
Rugby
St Just Rugby Football Club started in 1967. Their ground is located northeast of St Just. The club plays in the Counties 2 Tribute, South West Division.
Football
St Just Football Club was formed in 1894. The club has two adult teams that play in the Cornwall Combination League. They also have a youth section for younger players.
Bus Services
St Just bus station has several bus routes. These include routes 7, 8, A3, and A17.
- 7: Penzance to Lands End (via St Just)
- 8: Long Rock (Morrison’s) to St Just (via Sancreed)
- A3: St Ives to Lands End (via St Just) – this is called the Atlantic Coaster
- A17: St Ives to Pendeen (via Penzance and St Just)
Twinning
St Just is twinned with Huelgoat in Brittany, France.
The town is also twinned with Bendigo in Australia and Nevada City in California, USA. This is because many people from St Just moved to these places in the late 1800s. They went there to find better lives working in the mines. There is still an area in Bendigo called St. Just Point.
Notable Residents
- Edward Charles Grenfell became a Baron in 1935.
- Francis Oats (1848–1918) was a miner from Cornwall. He became the chairman of the De Beers diamond company.
- Lt Col J. H. Williams was a soldier and elephant trainer, known as Elephant Bill.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: St Just in Penwith para niños