Mawnan

Set apart from the village on an elevated position, the granite 15th century St Mawnan Parish Church, and particularly its tower, was used as a landmark by sailors for centuries. Built on a spur at the mouth of the River Helford, this tower is an excellent viewing point not only for those wishing to take in this sweeping coastline but it was also used as a lookout post during times of war and potential invasion. St Mawnan himself was an Irish bishop who seems to have had a particularly bad temper. When St Maelruain refused to absolve him for some minor misdemeanor, Mawnan is supposed to have cursed him, adding that the time will come when women will get above themselves, the poor will lack reverence to their betters, and churches will be poorly attended.

About a mile northeast of here, Rosemullion Head juts out into Falmouth Bay. Strewn with wild flowers, it is reachable on the cast path that winds around to Maenporth and beyond to Falmouth.

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