The _Lizard Point_, is remarkable as being the spot from which all ships leaving the Channel, date their departure; and notwithstanding two _Light-Houses_ have been built, as beacons to warn the mariner of the danger of steering too close to the shore, shipwrecks are not unfrequent, particularly among foreign vessels, whose commanders may be supposed to be unacquainted with the dangers of this part of the coast.[21] Returning to Helston over Goonholly Downs, in the parish of Mawgain, is _Trelowarrens_, the seat of Sir Richard Vyvyan, Bart., a very curious and antient embattled mansion, containing fine portraits by Vandyke.[22] The house and grounds were much improved by the late Sir Vyell Vyvyan, and adjoining the house is a very neat _Chapel_, well fitted up with an organ, &c. In _Mawgan Church_, is a very antient tomb to the memory of the Carminoe family, with the mutilated effigies of a crusader and his lady. About five miles north of Helston, on the left of the road to Redruth, is _Clowance_, the property of Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart. It is an antient building standing in an extensive park, surrounded by high walls. This estate is said to have been in possession of this family, ever since the reign of Richard II. Great improvements have been made by the present noble proprietor, although he seldom resides here: the plantations and grounds are arranged with great taste and judgment, and tend greatly to enliven the dreariness of this part of the county. The interior contains a number of fine family portraits, by Sir Peter Lely and other eminent artists, besides a valuable selection of rare and choice prints. _Godolphin House_ is one of the most interesting mansions in the county, and although going rapidly to decay, displays much of its former grandeur. It is situated two miles and a half from Clowance, and about a mile from the direct road to Marazion. The Godolphin family are said to have possessed the manor, as far back as the time of William the Conqueror; but the present mansion was built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, by Sir Francis Godolphin. It also appears, that by his successful adventures and perseverance in mining concerns, the customs were increased above £10,000 per annum. Charles II. created Sir William Godolphin a Baronet in 1663, and his son Sidney was made Baron Godolphin of Rialton, in 1689. This nobleman displayed great ability in the House of Commons, and filled several distinguished offices under the crown. He died in the year 1712, and was succeeded by his son Francis, whose youngest daughter married, in 1744, the Duke of Leeds, by which event the Godolphin estates, are now become the property of the Osborne family.[23]