Helston
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Template:GBdot Helston (Cornish: Hellys or Henlys) is a small town in Cornwall, UK, at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula. Depending on the definition of "town" it can be said to be the most southerly town in Great Britain. In 2001 the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of the granting of its Charter, making it the second eldest town in Cornwall after Marazion. The former tin-mining and cattle market town is also known for the annual Furry Dance (known locally as the Flora Dance), said to originate from the medieval period, and is the home of the Flambards Theme Park.
Helston is situated along the banks of the river Cober in Cornwall. It was previously an inland port. However the port declined when access to the sea was blocked by a sand bar (the Loe Bar) creating the biggest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, known as the Loe Pool. This was damaging to Helston but not fatally so, and the town continued to prosper through industries such as tin mining and coining, and its cattle market. Even with the closure of the port the various enterprises persuaded Customs and Excise to maintain a Customs House, which today houses "The Angel Hotel".
In more recent times, with no tin mines operating in the country and no need for coining in the town, it has become more tourist-oriented with many bed-and-breakfasts, cafes and restaraunts, public houses and specialist shops. Visitors are attracted to the area because of the wonderful local scenery, such as the Penrose walks, and the relaxing holidays available in the area. The beautiful fishing village of Porthleven located next to Loe Bar is the nearest stretch of coast, only about 4 miles away.
There are several churches including St. Michael's Church, a humble church with stained-glass windows and a tall bell tower which can be heard throughout the town. In the surrounding graveyard there is a monument to Henry Trengrouse, the inventor of the rocket fired safety line - a device for aiding in the saving of lives in a shipwreck.
Helston is also the birthplace of Bob "Ruby Robert" Fitzsimmons, the first triple world boxing champion. The house where he was born and lived in Helston is still standing and is indicated by a plaque above the door.
Many people come to the town as a result of a posting at the nearby Royal Navy air station RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk). This helicopter base provides employment for a large proportion of Helston's population, both directly and indirectly.
Helston is not far from the main road and rail links in Cornwall, and the nearest airport is in Newquay.
Helston elected two members to the Unreformed House of Commons. The Reform Act 1832 reduced this to one. Helston is now part of the St. Ives parliamentary constituency, which covers the southwesternmost part of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and whose current member is Andrew George (Liberal Democrat).
Since 1968 it has been the twin city of Sasso Marconi, in Italy.it: Helston kw:Hellys de:Helston