Camelford is located to the of North Cornwall on the main A39 trunk road with access from North Devon via the M5. The town is situated on the banks of the River Camel and gives easy access to the northern fringes of Bodmin Moor.
Camelford, was formerly named 'Cam Pol' which is Cornish for “curved river”, it is over 700ft above sea level making it one of the highest towns in England
Camelford was once prosperous because of its woollen trade and the central small square is lined with 18th and 19th century houses. The early 19th century town hall very fittingly has a camel for a weathervane. During its time of prosperity Camelford was also an important river crossing on the route from Launceston, Cornwall’s former capital, to the market town of Wadebridge and then, on ultimately to Falmouth. Camelford’s businesses thrived and the patronage of its MPs brought a lot of money into the town, which is reflected in some very grand buildings. The town became a free borough and a centre of commerce when Richard, Earl of Cornwall granted a royal charter in 1259. Edward VI bestowed the right to send a member to Parliament, a practice which continued until 1832, when the Reform Bill abolished the "rotten borough", of Camelford completely.
The former church of St.Thomas at Camelford was destroyed just over four centuries ago, and the town was without a church people had to walk three miles to Lanteglos church to worship. Work on a new church was started in 1937 it was built right in the centre of town over looking the river Camel. Constructed of Delabole stone with slate, on August 6th 1938 the church of St.Thomas was consecrated by the Bishop of Truro. One of the gifts donated to the new church was an ancient font by the Cowlard family of Launceston.
There is a very pleasant walk along the River Camel and lots of places to enjoy a meal at Camelford so instead of just driving through stop awhile and enjoy the delights of this historic old market town.

Photographic Print / Prints of Camelford