Mousehole (pronounced ‘Mowzel’) You don’t want to upset the locals – is a beautiful fishing village situated a couple of miles away from Penzance.

Living just twenty minutes away, I always enjoy wandering around Mousehole, and at this time of year, the village is especially magical. Famous for its Christmas lights, I decided to see how preparations were coming along for 2019.

When I visited, the lights were already in place, with workers adding the finishing touches ahead of the big switch-on on 19 December 2019. The famous Loch Ness Monster lights take pride of place in the foreground, adding a whimsical touch to the harbour.

I followed my usual circuit of the village, but this time took the public footpath behind Mousehole Methodist Church, which leads up to the top of the hill where the “Merry Christmas 2019” lights can be seen. Even during the daytime, the decorations hint at the festive magic that transforms Mousehole into one of Cornwall’s most enchanting Christmas destinations.

 

 Merry Christmas 2019 lights

It was muddy as hell and extremely windy when I got to the top so I didn’t hang around but nevertheless it was another part of Mousehole I’d discovered and a very pleasant diversion from my usual route.

 

 A traditional red phone box.

 

 I love this window.

 

War Memorial.

As you walk around Mousehole you ‘ll notice there are a few historical places of interest such as:

Keigwin House

Mousehole was destroyed in 1595 during a raid by Spaniard Carlos de Amésquita.

Keigwin House is the only house in the village that survives from that period. Keigwin and Little Keigwin House were originally part of a much larger Manor House.

 

 

The plaque attached to Keigwin House reads:

“Squire Jenkyn Keigwin was killed here 23rd July 1595 defending this house against the Spaniards. Mousehole was burned but the house spared. It is now the oldest in the village. Built circa 14th century.”

 

The house of Dolly Pentreath

 

 

As I was walking in front of the harbour wall a rainbow appeared that ended in front of St Michaels Mount followed by a massive black cloud and a mass of wispy white clouds. Within a couple of minutes, the whole spectacle had disappeared. I’m glad I managed to capture it.

 

Interesting information about Mousehole

 

S.O.S at Sea

Whilst reading up on Mousehole I came across this really interesting video from 1940 called ‘S.O.S at sea’ from the British Council Film Collection. By the looks of it, Mousehole hasn’t changed much at all since then.

 

The Penlee Lifeboat disaster

On 19/12/81 the ‘Solomon Browne’ Lifeboat based at Penlee Lifeboat Station near Mousehole went to the aid of the ‘Union Star’ after it suffered engine failure in rough seas. Even though the Lifeboatmen managed to rescue four people both boats were lost which led to the death of sixteen people including all eight Lifeboatmen.

 

Blue Juice

This film was filmed all over Cornwall but Mousehole featured quite heavily in it.