History
This area of Cornwall has been populated for well over two thousand years. In the 2nd Century B.C. the Dumnonia Tribe built their major hill-fort 'Castle-an-Dinas' as the tribal citadel for the whole of Devon and Cornwall. It was in the late Roman era of the 5th Century that the descendants of the Dumnonia moved from the hill-forts and founded present day St. Columb.
Market Town
St. Columb was granted Market Town status by Royal Charter in 1333 after Sir John Arundell supported Edward III in his battles against the Scots. The town reached its peak in both prosperity and power in the mid 19th Century, when it was so serious a contender to become Cornwall's Cathedral City that the Bishops Palace was constructed in 1850 known locally as The Old Rectory, which is now a private residence.
Unique Buildings
As well as the 15th century church, (housing the finest church brasses in Cornwall), St. Columb has many notable buildings demonstrating various styles of architecture. Buildings worth viewing include the 'spired' red brick former Barclays Bank, the old Bank House in Market Square and the Old Rectory, built to house the Bishops of Cornwall, these are but a few.
