Mevagissey: Discover a Charming, Traditional Cornish Fishing Village

Mevagissey’s Rich History

Nestled in the heart of south Cornwall, Mevagissey is a picturesque, traditional Cornish fishing village that boasts a rich history and an array of attractions for visitors. Located on the east bank of the River Mevagissey, this enchanting village is just six miles south-southwest of St Austell.

Dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, Mevagissey was first recorded as Porthmewa or Portmewa, a name derived from the Cornish words for ‘harbour’ and ‘monastery’. By the 13th century, the village had adopted its present name, Mevagissey.

Mevagissey’s Fishing Heritage

During the Middle Ages, Mevagissey was a bustling fishing port, its harbour teeming with a large fleet of fishing boats, known as ‘tennis’, which were primarily used to catch pilchards. The salted pilchards were then exported to Italy and other parts of Europe. In addition, Mevagissey was a vital hub for salt production, utilizing evaporation pans situated along the beach.

Mevagissey’s prosperity continued well into the early 20th century, when numerous pilchard factories processed the fish caught by the local fleet. However, the mid-20th century witnessed a decline in the pilchard industry, leading to factory closures and a reduced fishing fleet.

Mevagissey as a Tourist Destination

Today, Mevagissey has transformed into a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The harbour, once dominated by the fishing industry, now welcomes pleasure boats and fishing vessels alike.