The Local History of Flushing, Cornwall

Flushing in the 1600’s

The village was founded as a settlement by a Dutch community of refugees in the 1660s who named it after their home town. This name later adapted to become Flushing, which is said to translate to ‘valley of the reeds’ in Cornish. The Dutch refugees included a number of engineers who were responsible for building the village’s main quays which are still enjoyed for pleasure, picnics, and the occasional mooring, 400 years later. 

The Royal Charter for the Flushing Ferry dates back to 1660 when Charles II granted the ferry rights to Sir Peter Killigrew of Falmouth. Local men would row across the river to Greenbank Quay, where you can see the hotel and Working Boat pub today. Today’s ferry goes to Prince of Wales pier, but you can take a short stroll along the Greenbank to see the old route and take in the view. In Flushing, The Waterman’s Rest was built to shelter the Watermen who rowed the passengers around the harbour. Today it’s a community book swap shelter and mini-museum with local artefacts and information.

1700’s & 1800’s

As the ‘packet ships’ became hugely profitable, many of the captains and their families lived in Flushing, on what can now still be recognised as ‘mansion row’ but is officially named Trefusis Road. 

Diaries from the time describe dinner parties and balls at many of the grand houses, all a result of shipping income (and perhaps some lucrative contraband!) The Old Customs House has a long rectangular window which is said to have been built to look out for smuggling…

1900’s

After the Packet service from Falmouth was ended in 1850, Flushing fell into disrepair, with job losses and many people moving away to find other work. The population declined from two and a half thousand to less than half that number.

The saving grace was that the village was already a renowned health and holiday resort due to its mild climate (see the quote above!) People visited the area for short and longer term holidays, and some of the houses on the way to the beach were originally built as luxury nursing homes.

The rest of the village relied mainly upon fishing and agriculture, based around the manors of Trefusis and Tregew, who owned most of the land. There were also a couple of attempts at mining for copper and for lead, with engine shafts sunk, and a mine on one of the beaches, but these proved not to be commercially successful and soon closed. 

The Trefusis family still own and live in the manor today, working the land sustainably and hosting community events. There is a new summer festival for families, and a focus on regenerative agriculture. Soul Farm is a market garden based within the old walled garden on the estate. You can buy produce and veg boxes from them year-round.

The village itself has a small but perfectly formed shop, and two pubs: The Royal Standard and Harbour House. Both are historic buildings, with cosy atmospheres and open fires. The Royal Standard has a grassy garden extending to the back, as well as a terrace at the front by the road. Harbour House has limited outdoor seating, but the four or five tables are right by the water’s edge. 

A thriving community lives here amongst the tourist population with the church and primary school well attended. Locals from Falmouth and the surrounding area will often visit for sauna sessions at Kiln Quay, gig rowing from the beach, and yacht sailing from Flushing Sailing Club. The Flushing Village Regatta happens annually, with yacht racing, shoreside carnivals, raft races and boat trips. A nod to the village’s maritime history, but definitely a little more lighthearted and playful than the historic Royal Mail Packet Ship service!