The town of Bodmin lies in a central position twelve miles from Cornwall's north and south coasts, and next to Bodmin Moor which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As the old county town, its status is reflected in the grand buildings, some of which are open to the public, and which include the neo-classical style Shire Hall built in 1837, Bodmin Jail, and the Priory House.
Bodmin's history dates back to the 6th century, when Cornwall's chief patron saint, Petroc, founded a monastery there. A town gradually grew up around the priory, and it is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Although nothing now remains of the Priory, the 15th century parish church of St Petroc which is the largest church in Cornwall, is believed to occupy the same site. And visitors to the churchyard will also discover the ruins of the 14th century St Thomas a Becket's chapel.
Today, the county courts are in Truro, but Bodmin's granite court building, like the gaol is used for other purposes. Visitors to the 18th century cells at Bodmin Jail will no longer find prisoners there, but accounts of prison life and punishments. Meanwhile, the barracks have become the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum.
Bodmin was once known for its holy wells, and a well close to St Petroc's Church can be visited today. Also of note is the 144 ft Gilbert Memorial, which stands high on Beacon hill as a tribute to a local soldier, Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert who served in India.
Places of interest include the Bodmin Town Museum which tells the history of Bodmin up until the end of the Second World War, Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway, the Bodmin Beacon and Local Nature Reserve, Bodmin Moor and Cardinham Woods which include way marked walks, cycle trails and an adventure play trail.
