The famous Greenbank Hotel building started its life as a private residence and dates back to at least 1640. This makes it one of Falmouth’s oldest buildings and, certainly, its oldest hotel. Falmouth was established as a port, and a town, only decades earlier in 1613 by Sir John Killigrew, who owned the Tudor fortresses of Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle. The neighbouring town of Penryn was much larger and had been the area’s main market town since the 13th century.

The Packet Ship era

Falmouth quickly became an important port, essential for transporting goods and external communications. In 1688 it was designated as a Post Office Packet Station, responsible for transporting mail to and from the expanding British empire. Between 1688 and 1850, sailing ships, known as ‘Packet Ships’ were used to transport the mail. They landed and departed from the bustling Greenbank harbour or Custom House Quay. This made Falmouth the information hub of the Empire, second only to London for knowing the news of the day.

A popular inn

During the Packet Ship era, The Greenbank building became an inn, called The Ship Inn. Due to its perfect position across the river from Flushing village, it was used as the drop-off and collection point for the Flushing Ferry (which still runs today, from the Prince of Wales Pier.) It was common practice for the ferry to be operated by the keeper of the inn. This could provide a good custom at the bar, but an infrequent service for the passengers if the bar got too busy! In 1785, the Ship Inn was sold to a Mr James Rogers and became known as the Kings Arms Inn. Later, in 1813, we know that a Mr Thomas Selley became the new proprietor. Mr Selley made it into a gentlemen’s residence where the Packet Ship captains stayed in between their trips. During these years, the hotel was an important stop for coaches leaving for Plymouth, Exeter, London, Bath and Bristol. It then became known as the “Commercial Packet Hotel, Greenbank”, and a convenient lodging for postal workers. In 1841, at the not-so-old age of 60, Mr Selley sadly died. His family was succeeded in 1869 by John Hoskin Mitchell, followed by his daughter Martha Mitchell upon his death in 1888.

Seaside destination

Tourism boomed in Falmouth after the birth of the railway system in the mid 1800s. Once Falmouth got its own train station, tourists from all over England came down to enjoy sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Seaside resorts became hugely popular, and Falmouth capitalised on this, by developing family bathing facilities at Swanpool, Gyllyngvase and Maenporth. The Greenbank became a popular place to stay for tourists coming to appreciate the scenic views of the river Fal, and remains so to this day.

In 1907, Kenneth Grahame stayed at the hotel between the spring and autumn. It was here that he wrote letters to his son that later formed the stories for The Wind in the Willows. These days, the hotel is an amalgamation of buildings. The most recent is the Riverbank wing - where the Riverbank Suite, the hotel’s event and wedding suite is situated.

The current owners took over in November 1999 and went on to complete the renovation started by the previous occupants to make the hotel into what you see today. Today The Greenbank is a 61-room four-star hotel with a two AA rosette-awarded restaurant, The Water’s Edge, which offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel hosts events throughout the year as well as unique dining experiences, private parties and weddings. Originally the inn’s taproom, The Working Boat pub downstairs offers hearty pub food and local ales in an authentic atmosphere.