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Between 1700 and 1900 Falmouth in Cornwall, was the most cosmopolitan port in England. But it was much more than a major commercial and military port, it was an international communications centre, with people arriving daily from around the globe.
But why . . . . ?
When war broke out with France in 1688, Britain lost most of its overland trade routes. Falmouth was far enough from the French coast but British ships were still vulnerable.
The solution was the Falmouth Packet; lightly-armed brigs, fast enough to outrun the notoriosu French privateers.
For two hundred years they carried government mail, bullion and V.I.P’s, providing the glue that held the British Empire together.
Falmouth would often hear of news from around the globe before London, and was the first to receive news of Nelson's death!!
