Place Name

Virgin Street, Cornwall, England

Where the Cornish Cream Meets the Cornish Dream!

Introduction:

Ah now, Virgin Street, that be a name that gets folk blushin, smirkin or both. Outsiders think it be named after saints, nuns or some holy vow, but the locals knaw it be nothin of the sort.

Some reckon it were a cheeky joke that stuck, others say it were tied to an old chapel or a family name long forgotten.

Whatever the truth, Virgin Street be a place where the name raises eyebrows and the charm raises smiles.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Virgin – Could mean purity, innocence or just a bit of Cornish humour slippin into the map. Round yer, it be more likely the latter.

Street – Straightforward as a pasty on a plate, but full of stories, footsteps and the odd lost tourist askin where the nearest pub be.

Together, they make a name that sounds like a dare and a giggle rolled into one.

Historical Context:

The tale of Virgin Street be lost in the fog, same as many a Cornish yarn. Some say it were named after a pious woman who lived here, others say it were a jab at the sailors who came ashore lookin for trouble.

There be even a tale about a cow called Virgin who wandered the lane like she owned it. Whatever the truth, Virgin Street has kept its name, its mystery and its knack for makin visitors chuckle.

Points of Interest:

If you be wanderin about, have a nose at:

• Saint Ives Harbour – Boats bobbin like they be hummin their own tune.

• Carbis Bay – Sand, sea and seagulls with more attitude than sense.

• Tate St Ives – Art that makes ee think, squint and sometimes scratch yer head.

• Godrevy Lighthouse – Standin proud against the waves like it be guardin the coast.

• The Sloop Inn – A pub with ale, laughter and stories thicker than clotted cream.

Notable Figures:

Folk tied to Virgin Street or Cornwall include:

• Daphne du Maurier – Writer who captured Cornwall’s shadows and secrets.

• Sir John Betjeman – Poet who adored this county like a warm pasty.

• Michael Morpurgo – Storyteller with a heart full of Cornish magic.

• Jago Cooper – Archaeologist diggin up the tales of the past.

• Tommy Steele – Performer with memories rooted in Cornish soil.

Conclusion:

So next time ee find yourself on Virgin Street, take a moment to enjoy the daftness of a name that refuses to behave and the beauty of a lane that feels like a storybook come to life. It be a reminder that Cornwall loves a twist, a tale and a good laugh.

And if ee fancy more names that will tickle yer ribs and twist yer tongue, pop over to www.strangeplacenames.com where the UK and Ireland be full of gems that will have ee laughin and scratchin yer head in equal measure.

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