St Columb Major, town in Cornwall, UK
St Columb Major is a small town in Cornwall with roots in early Christian times and a name tied to a 6th-century saint. The center unfolds along Fore Street with slate-roofed stone buildings, mixed architectural styles, and structures spanning from medieval times to the present day.
The town became an important market center in the Middle Ages after King Edward III granted market rights in the 14th century, helping local farmers and traders. During the English Civil War in the 17th century, soldiers from both sides camped nearby, with fighting occurring in the area.
The town carries the name of Saint Columb, a 6th-century woman from Scotland who arrived on the Cornish coast and became tied to the area through local legend and faith. Today, visitors and residents alike mark her presence through the church dedicated to her and the annual celebration of her feast day on November 13.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, with shops, pubs, and historic buildings spread along the main streets. A railway station is nearby, and the A39 road provides good access for those traveling by car from various directions.
The town is known for an old game called hurling, played twice yearly on Shrove Tuesday and a Saturday later in the month, drawing crowds together to carry a silver-painted wooden ball across the town's boundary over a distance of roughly 2 miles. Shops board up their windows during these events, showing how central the tradition remains to local life.
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