Penwith Local History Group | Penzance, Cornwall, UK

Penwith Local History Group

Welcome

We research the fascinating history of West Penwith by working with original sources as much as possible. We publish our findings every two or three years.

The Morrab Library showing the new extension.
Photo Glyn Richards

Fullscreen Map

On this Day 23rd August 1914

John Leggo's War

Private John Leggo of St Just was killed on 23 August 1914, the British army's first day of fighting on the Western Front. He was 24 years old, one of the first of many Cornishmen to die in World War One, a war which saw 7.2 million battlefield deaths.

Images of our publications

Our new publication is now available:

"Beyond the Bookshelves"

Edited by Sally Corbet

price £15.00
plus p&p

Click here to see all the Penwith Local History Group publications.

The Penwith Papers

Best Foot Forward: the Public Benefit Boot Company in Penzance

In the heart of Penzance, at 27 Market Place, is a notable building with a terracotta façade in Art Noveau style at second and third floor level. Integral to the decoration are the initials PBBC, proudly incorporated as testimony to the original occupants of the site. Look up, stranger, and behold: the ghost of the Public Benefit Boot Company.