Place Name

London Apprentice, Cornwall, England

Where the Apprentice was Fired for buying Tartan Paint

Introduction

Ah now, London Apprentice. Say it out loud and you can almost hear a Cornish local mutter, “yer, it’s been called that forever, don’t ask.” It is one of those names that sounds like a training scheme, a pub quiz team or a Victorian joke that got wildly out of hand, until you realise it’s just a peaceful village with a perfectly perplexing name.

Folk hear it and imagine apprentices from London bein shipped down to Cornwall to learn mining, brewing or the fine art of not annoyin the locals.

Whatever the truth, the name has been sparkin curiosity for centuries, watchin visitors grin at the sign, locals grin knowingly and the occasional tourist ask if there’s a “Master London” nearby.

Toponymy

Let’s break down this name:

London – The big smoke, the capital, the land of buses, bustle and people who walk faster than the national speed limit. A strange thing to find in a Cornish village name.

Apprentice – A learner, a trainee, someone who’s just tryin their best. Could refer to mining apprentices, pub apprentices or someone who once bought tartan paint and never lived it down.

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before sayin it aloud, then laugh because it sounds like a Cornish village that’s moonlightin as a job title.

Historical Context

The name London Apprentice appears in records from the 1500s, likely tied to apprentices from London who came to Cornwall to learn mining during the boom years. Others reckon it was named after an inn that served travellers, apprentices and anyone who needed a pint after a long day.

And if you ask an old lad in St Austell, he’ll tell you it was named after an apprentice who tried to order tartan paint, a left‑handed hammer and a bucket of steam on his first day.

Whatever the truth, London Apprentice has survived miners, travellers, storytellers, folklore, misheard tales and generations of Cornish folk who know exactly how to embrace a name with cheeky charm.

Points of Interest

If you are wanderin about, have a nose at:

• St Austell Brewery – Ales, tours and proper Cornish heritage.

• Charlestown – Tall ships, cobbles and cinematic views.

• The Eden Project – Biomes, rainforest and futuristic greenery.

• Lost Gardens of Heligan – Magic, history and hidden sculptures.

• The Ship Inn – A pint, a plate and local chatter.

Notable Figures

Folk tied to Cornwall include:

• Sir John Betjeman – Poet with a love for Cornish quirks.

• J. K. Rowling – Visitor inspired by coastal magic.

• Richard Trevithick – Steam pioneer and Cornish genius.

• Doc Martin (fictional, but spiritually present) – Embodiment of Cornish eccentricity.

• Charles Causley – Poet who brought Cornwall to life.

Conclusion

So next time you find yourself wanderin around London Apprentice, take a moment to breathe in the countryside air, admire the woodland paths and enjoy the glorious absurdity of a place that sounds like a job title but feels like a warm Cornish hug.

And if you’re ever in need of a good laugh or a quirky name, explore the crazy world of www.strangeplacenames.com where the UK and Ireland have names from all points that are just as perplexin and entertainin as London Apprentice.

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024