The town is chiefly built along the western shore of the harbour, the houses forming a street nearly half a mile in length. Owing to the improvements which have been made of late years, Falmouth has a very prepossessing appearance, and is now inhabited by many respectable families; but although the population of the parish amounts, by the late census, to 6374, it is not represented in Parliament, whilst St. Mawes, a mean fishing cove, on the opposite side of the harbour, possesses that advantage. The entrance to the harbour of Falmouth is fortified on each side, by the _Castles_ of _St. Mawes_ and _Pendennis_. The latter has a very magnificent appearance, being built on a rock, rising upwards of 300 feet above the level of the sea, and is almost insulated. This castle was first erected in the reign of Henry VIII., but the works were materially altered and strengthened in the reign of Elizabeth. It is now strongly fortified, and contains commodious barracks for troops, good storehouses, and magazines, besides a comfortable residence for the Lieutenant Governor. In the time of the civil wars this fortress was bravely defended against the Parliament forces, by John Arundell, of Trenie, and was only surrendered on the same conditions as were granted to other places. _St. Mawes Castle_, although erected in the same reign as Pendennis, is very inferior both in size and situation. The hamlet adjoining, is remarkable only as being one of the Boroughs of Cornwall, and has returned members to Parliament since the year 1562. The manor is now vested in the Marquis of Buckingham, but the right of election is confined to the freeholders only. The _Church_ of Falmouth is a modern building, with a handsome altar, &c. It contains several memorials, but none very remarkable. There are several meeting houses in the town, for different sects, a small Roman Catholic Chapel, and a Jew’s Synagogue; also a Public Dispensary and Hospital for the relief and support of disabled seamen, their widows, and children, which is liberally patronized. The trade of this town, and its prosperity, have much increased by the establishment of the packets that sail from hence every week to Lisbon, Portugal, the West Indies, and other places; also by the detention of fleets of ships, (particularly those outward-bound) which seek refuge in its capacious harbour, and frequently remain many weeks till the gales are more favourable.—Falmouth has a good weekly market, and two fairs annually.