Porthgrey

A fishing town on the far western coast of Cornwall, all slate roofs, steep lanes and salt wind. In 1953 it had ten districts, one harbor, one ferry, one constable and a great many opinions.

An estuary cuts the town in two. On the far side lie Mill End, Kingsgate and the Saltings; on the town side, the Customs House, the Narrows and the old heart of Porthgrey. The harbor ferry joins them, and in 1953 the Harbor Master wrote down every crossing it made.

Once a year, on Lantern Night, every window and every boat is lit, and the town's population doubles.

Districts

Harborside — Register rows 1–714 — Net lofts, fish cellars and the Customs House. The smell of tar never quite leaves your coat.

Old Town — Register rows 715–1428 — Crooked cottages and narrower gossip. Everybody here knew Silas Penhallow, and most had an opinion.

Lamplight Hill — Register rows 1429–2142 — Villas with a view of the bay, and residents who prefer the view to the neighbors.

Mill End — Register rows 2143–2856 — The old tide mill, the brewery and the terraces of the men who work them.

The Narrows — Register rows 2857–3570 — Alleys so tight two people cannot pass without one of them stepping into a doorway.

St. Brannoc's — Register rows 3571–4284 — The church, the school and the only tea room in Porthgrey that stays open past six.

Westcut — Register rows 4285–4998 — Newer houses beyond the railway cutting. Newcomers, mostly, and newcomers notice things.

Kingsgate — Register rows 4999–5712 — The market square, the bank and the Anchor Hotel, where the visitors sleep.

The Saltings — Register rows 5713–6426 — Marsh cottages at the edge of town, reached by a causeway that floods at high tide.

Quay Row — Register rows 6427–7140 — Boatyards and chandlers. Anyone who owns a boat has business here sooner or later.

Map

Districts

Cases