Mevagissey

Mevagissey lighthouse was built in 1896 to mark the south breakwater that protects the small harbour.

In the late 1880’s there were around sixty fishing-boats engaged in the mackerel fishery, while herring and pilchards were also important catches Pilchards were also imported from Plymouth for curing at the Cornish Sardine Factory and imported salt was also used for adding to butter at the same factory. Barley, grown nearby, was exported to Campbeltown, Scotland.

The harbour is built on the site of a medieval quay. The first Act of Parliament allowing the new port to be built was passed in 1774.

The inner harbour, consisting of the current East and West Quays, was constructed from this time. An outer harbour was added in 1888, but seriously damaged in a blizzard in 1891. The outer walls were rebuilt by 1897.