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Visit Bodmin Cornwall and the surrounding villages and stay in bed breakfast, hotel or self catering cottage accommodation provided by BedPosts members.

BODMIN The residential community of Bodmin lies on the southwestern edge of Bodmin Moor, on the side of a high hill, The Beacon. Bodmin was formerly the county town of Cornwall, yet long ago surrendered that status to the city of Truro. The town's advancement started in the 10th century after the monastery, which was established by St Petroc at Padstow, was devastated by Viking bandits. The ministers withdrew inland for security purposes and set up their new religious establishment at Bodmin. They brought the relics of St Petroc with them and transformed the town into the most prestigious medieval religious site in Cornwall. Bodmin's name comes from "menegh" (monks), and "bos" (homestead or home). Augustinian friars later took over the monastery, Franciscans established a priory here, and the Shrine of St Petroc changed Bodmin into a pilgrimage destination.

The Reformation and Henry VIII's Dissolution of Monasteries brought decay, despite Bodmin's important position on the main road through Cornwall. Today, however the town has lost a lot of its notable status, its strong Cornish character and spirit remain. Bodmin is the perfect focus from which to investigate north and southeast Cornwall. Bodmin has outstanding building designs, including a neoclassical court building dating from 1873 in Mount Folly. In Fore Street there are appealing stucco veneers and the old cattle market has Doric docks and a frieze of rams' and bulls' heads. The magnificent Church of St Petroc is the biggest in Cornwall with some fine characteristics. Bodmin Museum is in Mount Folly Square, on the site of the old Franciscan Priory, and The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum is housed in the keep of the Victorian military quarters. The Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway Station is in St Nicholas Street.