History of Market Street & Market Strand

Market Street

• Market Street has been a central part of Falmouth for centuries, evolving from a coastal route beside the old foreshore into one of the town’s most important commercial and social thoroughfares.
• News of the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson’s death was landed at nearby Fish Strand Quay and carried up Market Street, highlighting its role as a key artery through the town.
• Bell’s Court, just off Market Street, became the centre of the Falmouth Packet Mutiny, where crew members protested the seizure of their private trade goods and Christopher Saverland read the Riot Act to the assembled sailors.
• Many 19th century buildings survive today, preserving the character and appearance of the historic street.
• In 1870, a major fire devastated part of Market Street, destroying several homes and shops and leaving a lasting mark on the area’s landscape.
• Local character, John Burton opened his world famous Old Curiosity Shop at No. 27 in 1862. The quirky store attracted visitors from far and wide, including the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), who purchased items via commission. Burton’s entrepreneurial flair was well known — he even attempted to buy Smeaton’s Eddystone Lighthouse when it was replaced.
• During the Second World War, Market Street was the scene of a bustling Christmas shopping rush, as townsfolk sought small comforts despite rationing and shortages.

Market Strand

• Falmouth’s early Customs House originally stood on Market Strand, before being moved to Bank Place as the town expanded.
• A major harbour platform was constructed at Fish Strand, later becoming home to the town gasworks, a functional but infamously unattractive landmark that remained until its eventual removal improved the waterfront.
• Many historic buildings from this era survive today, several now officially listed for their architectural and historical significance.
• Prince of Wales Pier began right here, its foundation stone laid as an extension of the Market Strand granite quay.
• Prince of Wales Pier, off Market Strand, played a heroic role, welcoming home the few survivors of the daring St. Nazaire Raid just five days after they had embarked.
• Mid 20th century redevelopment reshaped Market Strand, replacing earlier landmarks such as the Fountain Inn and the Baptist Chapel with the modern commercial buildings we see today.