Next up: The sun vanishes (for a while anyway) and I thread through the completely adorable town of Marazion. Which is older almost than seems fathomable (particularly if you're a fundie Christian). According to my guidebook, it was originally called "Margtiasiewe" (which sounds like the place Jimmy Buffett wasted away in once he was well into his tequila), and there's been a settlement here since 3088 BC. Now, the guidebook also says Henry III granted the town a charter in 1257, but as you can note from the plaque here on the clock tower, they beg to disagree by some three centuries or so. (The town Web site clears this up: The charter was granted in 1257; Queen Elizabeth "reaffirmed" it in 1595. Now, that's consistency.)

(As a side note, the web site also says this:

Its modern name derives from the important fairs and markets that were held here, the earliest recorded being in 1070. Marazion had two significant markets - Marghas Byghan (Small Market) and Marghas Yow or Jew (Thursday Market). Time has blurred the pronunciations to Marazion.

The homes here were very close to the main road, like with approximately one body-width of space between a front door and tarmac. But the whole place was more charming than should be allowed, full of named cottages and sloping driveways and pretty flowers everywhere. If you had to retire, there are worse places in the world to live out your days.