Helston rewind: The history of The Bowling Green

The bowling green is reputed to have been the site of Helston Castle which was erected by Edmund, earl of Cornwall between the years 1271-1300.

It is likely that at that time the head of Loe Pool extended much further north than today.

The late Mr. Francis Cunnack once told W.F.Ivey that he could point out distinct traces of the sea washing the cliffside in the Lowertown Valley.

It is recorded that in 1478 William of Worcester visited the town and found the Castle in an even more advanced state of decay, but that at the time traces were still to be found.

The castle was ruined by the end of the 15th-century and sat at the bottom of Coinagehall Street, where the bowling green and Grylls Monument are now located. Although very little is known about the castle, it is speculated that the castle was a fortified manor house.

Leland had been commissioned by Henry VIII to complete a survey of the major towns and cities in the country, but so ancient was the Helston Castle and lacking any information, it was not possible to establish the exact style of the structure.

Helston Bowling Green began its history in 1760 and has been ever-present since.

It has been asserted that the Helston club could well be the oldest in the country.

Information courtesy of Helston History, you can see more from them here.

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