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Mousehole is another popular Cornish tourist
destination, and with a beach in the
sheltered part of the harbour, it makes
it
an ideal place for a family day out.
St
Clement's Isle - a small rocky islet
once the home to an ancient hermit lies
just offshore of the harbour wall. A few
hundred yards along the coast from the
village lies a huge cave which - so some
people say - gives rise to the name of
the village (Mouse Hole!).
Mousehole appeared in the record books
as an important fishing port from as
early as 1266, in fact, part of the
south quay originates from 1390 - making
it possibly the oldest pier in Cornwall.
The fishing industry has near on declined
here but
a few fishing boats maintain the long
heritage and tradition of a working
harbour, whilst the majority of vessels
now lying at anchor are pleasure craft.
During
the winter months, sturdy wooden beams
are used to close the harbour entrance,
keeping the force of the sea at bay and
protecting the village. In the past,
villagers have suffered from the effects
of winter storms - one of these events
is commemorated annually shortly before
Christmas on "Tom Bawcock's Eve"
where a monstrous fish pie is cooked and
consumed by the patrons of the Inn on
the quayside. This event, which becomes
a major village party, attracts visitors
from both the surrounding district and
from all over the world
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