Constantine

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Constantine, in Cornish, Lanngostentin, is a rural village and parish tucked away between the Lizard Peninsula and Falmouth and within easy reach of the Helford River.

Constantine Parish, although distant from those areas of Cornwall most associated with metal mining, did have several mines including an iron mine. J.H. Collins writes that the Constantine Iron Mine "was worked by Captain W. Noble for Messrs. Brogden in 1871". The lode varied from 6in to 6ft in width containing brown hematite ore.

Constantine formerly followed the practice of annually electing a mock mayor in the week following its parish feast. This practice ceased in the mid 19th century after the vicar at the time, finding one particular "election" to be in such bad taste that he resolved to ensure that the event would never happen again.

For those with an interest in ghost hunting, a ghost on horseback with a pack of ghostly hounds following, was said to ride through the village. The spirit horseman is believed to have been an ancestor of Sir Peter Scott, formerly of Trewardreva.

The name derives from Saint Constantine, King and Confessor, to whom the parish church is dedicated. Constantine is believed to have been King of Damnonia, the ancient name of an area which contained the whole of Cornwall during the period of the Dark Ages. He is thought to have been the son of Cado, the Duke of Cornwall and a cousin of Saint Cuby.

The pronounciation of the name in Cornish dialect is 'Costenton'.

General Information

The village has excellent facilities and there is a wide range of holiday accommodation throughout the parish.

Location:
IntoCornwall Area Map Lizard Peninsula

Road directions to Constantine

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Constantine

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