Godolphin Cross

Half-hidden in a valley on the Hayle to Helston road, Godolphin Cross derived its name from the cross roads which were encountered en route to the estate of the Godolphin family – a prominent Cornish family who made their fortune through mining. The earliest sites associated with both tin and copper mining lie on the 550-acre Godolphin Estate, acquired by the National Trust in 1999. Money from these minerals built the house. Godolphin House, is an exceptional part Tudor, part Stuart house that still retains its original Elizabethan stables. The house is noted for its splendid King’s Room, fine Jacobean fireplaces and the unique north front, which was completed shortly after the Civil War and incorporates an impressive granite colonnade. The Entrance Hall has a fine 16th century chimney piece, and hung in the Dining Room is a painting by John Wootton of the famous Godolphin Arabian, one of the three stallions from which all British thoroughbreds are descended.

The present house was preceded by a small castle, built around 1300 by Sir Alexander Godolghan. Outside, the gardens still retain traces of their original ancient raised walks and the carp ponds.