Marazion is located about two miles east of Penzance. Its coastal location provides fantastic views over the English Channel. Marazion is known both for providing a causeway to the famous St Michaels Mount and for its bid to be named the oldest town in Britain.The History of the Name MarazionThe name Marazion comes from the cornish “Marghas Byghan”, which means “little market”. The market in the town dates back Robert, Count of Mortain, who was given lands and use of St Michaels Mount and the right to hold a market on thursdays. The earliest recorded fairs or markets on the site were in 1070 A.D. Is Marazion the Oldest Town in Britain?There are many places vying for the title of the oldest town in Britain, including Marazion(known as Ictis by the Romans). Its main competitor, Colchester, was written about by the Roman writer, Pliny the Elder, in A.D.77 but does this mean that it is the oldest town? Well no, Camulodunum(the Roman name for Colchester) existed for many years before Pliny visited Britain so it is highly possible that there are other towns which are older. As well as Marazion, Abingdon in Oxfordshire and Thatcham in Berkshire also claim to be the oldest town. As records are sketchy if they exist we will never know the oldest town, but Marazion certainly has the history to suggest that it could be. |
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