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submitted: Oct 2nd 2008 | by: MikeCarter | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 435 | |

The historic Cornish village of Porthleven is the most southerly working port on the UK's mainland. It is just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by new visitors. The harbour was constructed after the wreck of HMS Anson on Loe Bar during a ferocious December 29th 1807. Tobias Roberts, a hero of the day, swam through violent dangerous seas out to the Anson. A rope was tied around Tobias enabling him to create a link between ship and shore, a lifeline for those on board. Although he successfully reached the ship, over one hundred including the ship's Captain Lydiard perished.

Appalled by the loss of live and to avoid such an incident in the future, along with locals alike, Tobias Roberts battled with the Admiralty to ensure there was a harbour of safe refuge. Being a determined man, Tobias got Porthleven Harbour constructed and then improved at a later date. Home to a much reduced number of fishermen, no commercial traffic of any size and a small number of pleasure craft, it took two acts of parliament before the harbour became what it is today.

However, the harbour still plays a big role enticing tourists from all around the world. The media gave a lot of attention to Porthleven when it was lashed by a hurricane in December 1989. The coverage on the television was televised all over the world, with pictures showing the demolishing storm with its huge eaves throwing shingle and seaweed over 22 meters (72 feet). That's the height of the clock tower in Porthleven. TV and film crews have been to Porthleven over the years, with programme makers helping to promote Porthleven's natural unspoilt attractions.

In addition, brown tourist signs were introduced and publicised the village in a variety of ways including the Discover Porthleven leaflet which is now reproduced annually. Of course the village received media attention well beyond affordable advertising when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989.

Television coverage was worldwide, showing the devastating storm with spray from monster waves reaching heights over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven's land mark, the clock tower forming part of the Institute Buildings. The village has attracted film and television programme makers all helping to advertise Porthleven's natural unspoilt attraction.

Porthleven has a number of quality self catering cottages, B&B and hotels placed around the harbour, above the beach and within the village many of which command views of the bay, the harbour or surrounding countryside. There are three Inns, the oldest being the Ship Inn. According to a local legend and the BBC resident ghosts have been experienced.

About the Author

Mike Carter has been a long term resident of Porthleven Accommodation, and when he is not creating digital presentations or offering digital solutions he can often be found walking his dog Bertie around the Harbour in Porthleven Cornwall, the coastal path or Penrose.

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