Famous as the Assizes where public hangings took place until 1862 and the jail was where the Domesday Book and the Crown Jewels were hidden for safety during the First World War. The Cornish speaking population once led a revolt against the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer written in English instead of Latin. Edward VI sent his Provost Marshall to the town to deal with the troublemakers. The Mayor of Bodmin gave a luncheon for the Provost Marshall during which he was asked to arrange the erection of a gallows outside the house. After dining the two men examined the gallows when the Provost Marshall asked the Mayor if he thought it strong enough for the job in hand to which he replied he did, so the Provost Marshall ordered him onto the gallows as his reward for being a busy rebel !

The town is the home of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and battle honours decorate the largest parish church in Cornwall.

Bodmin Moor

Stretching for 30 miles through the middle of Cornwall is Bodmin Moor, an area of breathtaking high moorland with its famous granite tors surrounded by countryside with valleys lined with beech wood.

Bodmin Moor is rich in prehistoric remains, stone circles, magalithic chambers and standing stones, dotted with relicts of the past. At the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor is the mysterious Dozmary Pool, which is said to be linked to the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur.

In the heart of the former 18th century tin and copper mining belt of Bodmin Moor is the village of Minions, here you can walk along the disused mineral railway and climb up to the famous Cheesewring which is built up from layered slabs of granite perched precariously on top of one another. Also nearby to Minions are the Hurlers, three ancient stone circles dating from 2500 to 1800 BC.

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