St Agnes, Cornwall
Coordinates: 50°17′42″N 5°12′22″W / 50.295°N 5.206°W
| St Agnes | |
 Peterville, St Agnes | |
 St Agnes shown within Cornwall | |
| Population | Parish 7257, Village 2230 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SW713507 |
| Unitary authority | Cornwall |
| Shire county | Cornwall |
| Ceremonial county | Cornwall |
| Region | South West |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | St. Agnes |
| Postcode district | TR5 |
| Dialling code | 01872 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | Truro & Falmouth |
| List of places: UK • England • Cornwall | |
Statistics
St Agnes civil parish had a population of 7,257 in April 2006; this includes nearby Porthtowan, Mount Hawke, Blackwater and Mithian as well as St Agnes village itself. The 2001 census figure for St Agnes village was 2,230 in 1,013 households. Unemployment at 3.8% (2001 census) compares to a national average of 3.4%. The retired population represented 20.8% (national average 13.6%), those in full time employment were 28.6% (40.6%), and those self-employed were 14.9% (8.3%). These and other factors put St Agnes in 15,862nd position in the most deprived scale out of 32,482, thus approximately in the middle (in 2001).
Community organisations and social life
The people of St Agnes are predominantly Christian or of no religion and there are three churches: Anglican, Methodist and Catholic. The churches also act as centres of social gathering as do the Miners and Mechanics Institute, the many pubs, bistros and restaurants and several sports clubs (including rugby union, football and surfing).
In medieval and early modern times St Agnes was part of the parish of Perranzabuloe and the church of St Agnes was a chapel-of-ease only (St Agnes was made into a parish in 1846). The parish church is 15th century in date but has been much restored. The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea was built in 1882 to the designs of Cowell, Drewitt & Wheatly, architects.
Harbour
Economy
Places of interest around St Agnes
St Agnes Beacon
St Agnes Beacon, a local landmark now owned by the National Trust, rises 192 metres (630 ft) in isolation from the surrounding landscape with the sea to the west. St Agnes derives its old Cornish name, Bryanick (pointed or prominent hill) from this landmark. The top of the Beacon offers a panoramic view of the cliffs from St Ives in the south to Padstow in the North, as well as inland views over much of Carrick and the eastern part of Penryn. On a clear day, 23 miles of coast and 32 church towers can be seen from the top.
To the northwest foot of the beacon is Cameron Quarry and St Agnes Beacon Pits, Sites of Special Scientific Interest noted for their geological interest.
Bolster & Chapel Porth
Bolster & Chapel Porth is a large earthen bulwark believed to date from the Dark Ages. It originally ran from Chapel Porth to Trevaunance Cove. According to legend, Bolster was a giant who fell in love with a young maiden called Agnes. As proof of his love, Agnes demanded that the giant fill a small hole at the edge of the cliff with his blood. Being such a small hole the giant willingly did so. However, he was unaware that the hole was bottomless and opened into a sea cave. Bolster continued to fill the cave until he was so weak that he fell into the sea to his death; the blood-stained cave can be found at Chapel Porth.
At Chapel Coombe a set of old Cornish stamps has been re-erected by the Trevithick Society.
St Agnes Parish Museum
The St Agnes Parish Museum offers an opportunity to study in more detail the landscape and the history of St Agnes. The Museum is run by volunteers and is a registered charity established to promote the heritage of St Agnes. The mining and seafaring history of St Agnes is explained in displays and on film. The natural history display includes a 700-pound leatherback turtle.
Wheal Coates and Stippy Stappy
Blue Hills Tin Streams
These traditional workings are situated in Jericho Valley. The process by which tin is extracted is demonstrated and explained. The Blue Hills area is also host to the Motor Cycling Club's Lands End Classic Trial, for both cars and bikes. 2008 marked the event's centenary - the first run being held in 1908 [1].
Heritage Coast
The World Heritage landscape around St Agnes is promoted and cared for by the St Agnes to Newquay Countryside Management Service. The service strives to balance the differing needs of the many users of the countryside and focuses on building an understanding between all those who live, work and visit the area so that all are working towards a common goal of protection and appreciation of the environment.
See also
References
External links and references
Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St_Agnes,_Cornwall&oldid=463728741#Harbour
