Memories of The Falmouth Hotel

Sat atop the rugged Cornish coastline, newlyweds John and Helen Pert captured each other’s pure joy during their honeymoon at The Falmouth in June 1945.

During the Second World War, Sub-lieutenant John Pert was part of the Fleet Air Arm and a pilot in the Royal Navy, flying Supermarine Seafire planes. Meanwhile, his wife, Mrs Helen Pert was a codebreaker, helping intercept Nazi communications.

The Falmouth itself has its own fascinating history during the Second World War. The Royal Navy Contraband Control took over the fourth floor for their offices and, after the fall of France, the hotel accommodated wartime refugees, including many high ranking officers.

The illustrated postcard below was a keepsake from their honeymoon, kindly sent to us by their daughter Jill Pert.

📷: Provided by Jill Pert

Sweeping lawns, Victorian architecture and an unwavering elegance. This beachside beauty seems almost handmade for two sweethearts to celebrate their love.

With romance misting the air like salt from the sea, this tear-jerking shot from 1956 shows Richard and Dorothy Shapland walking the grounds hand in hand on their wedding day. What’s more, the happy couple returned to The Falmouth to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2016.

It’s little moments like this that make an everlasting mark on our hotel by the sea. A true ‘meant to be’ moment preserved in black and white.

📷 by Sarah Hubbard

Cast your mind back to the 1960s – an era lived in technicolour, much like this local family’s summers in Cornwall.

Here we can see them enjoying The Falmouth’s old outdoor pool, which is sadly now out of commission. With Harry Hocking behind the lens, he snaps his wife Joan and children Julie and Robert as they spend a day together in the Cornish sun.

This is a wonderful glimpse into a time when our landmark hotel was not only a sought-after seaside destination. It was the centre of a thriving Cornish community looking to make the most of their home by the sea.

📷 by Harry Hocking

It was a time of bold fashion choices and even bolder interiors. Our Victorian gem was no exception when the 80s came around.

This advertising campaign showcases the luxurious elegance of the hotel. We get a fabulous glimpse into the look of The Falmouth at a time famous for exploring the boundaries of hairstyles, clothing, music, and interior design.

From these photos, which will hold a familiar nostalgia for many, we can see that the hotel was certainly keeping up with the times. Bold patterns adorn the drapes in the rooms. Another shot allows us a snapshot into the lounge area, complete with a floral sofa set.

Back to the 80s once again, and we can’t imagine a more Cornish wedding than that of the Combellacks in 1987. Pictured here together after arriving at The Falmouth in a classic red tractor courtesy of Fran Combellack’s father, it’s clear that this particular wedding reflected a classic Cornish sense of humour.

Now newlyweds, the Combellacks would spend their wedding reception in our seafront hotel, complete with classic 80s peach bridesmaids dresses and an elaborately iced cake, so reflective of the time.

📷 provided by Fran Combellack