Bodmin | Towns and Cities of Cornwall
Bodmin is an ancient trading place. It lies on a route that crosses Cornwall North to South called the Saint's Way. In the past it was sometimes called the Mariner's Way because merchants from Wales, Ireland and Northern France often crossed Cornwall overland from the Camel to the Fowey rather than pass Lands End by sea.
During the Iron Age the Celts built a hill fort, which is now known as Canyke Castle. Later the Romans built a fort to defend a strategic river crossing.
In the 6th century St Petroc, the patron saint of Cornwall, established a monastery at Padstow. In the 10th century it moved to Bodmin. In the 12th century it was changed to an Augustinian priory. The name of the town 'Bodmin' may mean 'house of monks'. Certainly, for centuries the priory dominated the town. Henry VIII closed the priory in 1538 but the monk's fishpond survives as Priory Pond.
However at the time of the Domesday Book (1086) Bodmin was the only market town in Cornwall. During the Middle Ages Bodmin was an important market for wool and tin.
In the 13th century Franciscan friars arrived in Bodmin. (They were called grey friars because of the colour of their costumes). Friars were like monks but instead of withdrawing from the world they went out to preach.
The black death reached Bodmin in 1349 and devastated the population but the town soon recovered.
The Church of St Petroc was built in the years 1469-1472 with donations given by the townspeople. However it was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. St Petroc's is the largest parish church in Cornwall. Berry Tower is all that remains of a chapel which was erected in the 15th century.
10th Century A monastery is built at Bodmin, which is an ancient trading place
1086 At the time of the Domesday Book
Bodmin is an ancient trading place. It lies on a route that crosses Cornwall North to South called the Saint's Way. In the past it was sometimes called the Mariner's Way because merchants from Wales, Ireland and Northern France often crossed Cornwall overland from the Camel to the Fowey rather than pass Lands End by sea.
During the Iron Age the Celts built a hill fort, which is now known as Canyke Castle. Later the Romans built a fort to defend a strategic river crossing.
In the 6th century St Petroc, the patron saint of Cornwall, established a monastery at Padstow. In the 10th century it moved to Bodmin. In the 12th century it was changed to an Augustinian priory. The name of the town 'Bodmin' may mean 'house of monks'. Certainly, for centuries the priory dominated the town. Henry VIII closed the priory in 1538 but the monk's fishpond survives as Priory Pond.
However at the time of the Domesday Book (1086) Bodmin was the only market town in Cornwall. During the Middle Ages Bodmin was an important market for wool and tin.
In the 13th century Franciscan friars arrived in Bodmin. (They were called grey friars because of the colour of their costumes). Friars were like monks but instead of withdrawing from the world they went out to preach.
The black death reached Bodmin in 1349 and devastated the population but the town soon recovered.
The Church of St Petroc was built in the years 1469-1472 with donations given by the townspeople. However it was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. St Petroc's is the largest parish church in Cornwall. Berry Tower is all that remains of a chapel which was erected in the 15th century.
10th Century A monastery is built at Bodmin, which is an ancient trading place
1086 At the time of the Domesday Book Bodmin is a thriving though small town. However it is the only market town in Cornwall.
13th Century Greyfriars arrive in Bodmin. The little town is an important market for wool and tin.
1349 The Black Death reaches Bodmin
1469-72 The Church of St Petroc is built
1497 Perkin Warbeck leads a rebellion against Henry VII. Warbeck is declared king in Bodmin. However Henry VII easily crushes the rebellion.
1776 Bodmin goal is built. Bodmin remains a quiet little town.
1801 Bodmin has a population of less than 2,000
1822 St Lawrences Hospital is built as a lunatic asylum
<1834 The railway reaches Bodmin. The little town is connected to Wadebridge.
1837 Shire Hall is built
1839 Bodmin Market House is built
1842 A workhouse is built in Bodmin
1845 Turret Clock is built
1856 An obelisk is erected for Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert
1881 Lanhydrock is badly damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt
1887 A railway opens from Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin
1891 The Public Rooms are built
1897 A library is built in Bodmin
1901 Bodmin has a population of over 5,300
1909 The last execution takes place at Bodmin goal
1910 East Cornwall Hospital is built
1922 Bodmin goal closes
1925 Asylum Clock is erected
1951 The population of Bodmin is 6,000
1965 St Marys Church opens
20000 Shire Gallery opens
2001 The population of Bodmin is 13,000