Falmouth, Cornwall
Template:GBmap Falmouth (Template:Ll: Aberfal) is a seaport on the south coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. It was originally called Peny-cwm-cuic, which became 'Pennycomequick'.
Falmouth is famous for its harbour. Together with Carrick Roads it forms the third largest natural harbour in the world. It is also famous for being the start or finish point of various round-the-world record breaking voyages, such as those of Sir Francis Chichester and Dame Ellen McArthur.
Sir John Killigrew created the town or Falmouth in 1613 and in about 1540 Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle to defend Carrick Roads. During the civil war Pendennis Castle was the second to last fort to surrender.
The news of Britains victory (and Admiral Nelson's Death) at Trafalgar was landed here from the schooner Pickle and taken up to London by stagecoach.
It was also the launching point for the commando raid on St Nazaire during the Second World War.
Falmouth's maritime activity is much declined from its heyday, and it is now primarily a tourist resort. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall opened in February 2003.