Fowey
Gallants Smugglers and Clay
The town and port of Fowey sits on a steep wooded hillside overlooking the river and opposite the fishing harbour of Polruan. Fowey grew as a consequence of its naval associations and later through trading this was in the form of a centre for the china clay industry a product that it exported worldwide. Fowey’s natural harbour made it perfect for both these activities, and it has a long and chequered history, privateers such as the Fowey Gallants set sail from here, also smugglers are said to have used the port.
Today the port is busy with trawlers and yachts, but these days it is Tourism which is the important source of income for this charming Cornish port. Sprawling along the coast its picturesque and narrow winding streets cascade steeply down to its water edge. It now has a somewhat Chic atmosphere and is a popular seaside getaway for many wealthy Londoners.
The authoress Daphne du Maurier who grew up in Cornwall lived in Fowey and set some of her novels such as Jamaica Inn and Rebecca in the dramatic and wild Cornish landscape. Du Maurier lived in the former seat of the Rashleigh family Menabilly it was use as Manderley in the film of her novel. The town annually celebrates this association with a Daphne du Maurier literary festival in her honour.
There are some interesting buildings to be found including the 15th century Place House which is by the church, Fowey pronounced Foy is mentioned in the doomsday book.
Activities in Fowey
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