St. Just in Penwith

Just in Penwith

When tin mining prospered here in the 19th century, its population was over 5000. Then St. Just in Penwith would have been very workaday, its character dictated by the toughness of its workers' occupation. It is more attractive now but, despite recent regeneration, population is only around 4000. Now that visitors come to see the relics of industry, to enjoy Cape Cornwall and find respite from the rigours of the Cornish Coast Path, St. Just has acquired a couple of teashops and several art galleries and craft shops yet still retains its local shops, butchers, baker etc, and several pubs; homes look well cared for. St. Justus church is handsome from outside, thanks to its tower and elaborate porch, and is full of interest inside. Behind Bank Square, in the centre of the town, a circular embanked enclosure is described as a 'plen a gwary' or 'playing place' where the Cornish Ordinalia was performed in medieval times; however, it is just as likely that its origin was as an iron age settlement enclosure, a typical bank with encircling ditch. There are several pubs and a pasty shop in the square. There is a moderate amount of car parking, including some spaces in the square. Not to be confused with St. Just in Roseland

St. Justus Church

Best by B3306 coast road from St. Ives

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