Carew 1602

Upon the left hand from hence, at the top of a creek, Perin town hath taken up his seat, rather passable, then notable for wealth, buildings, and inhabitants; in all which, though near the haven's mouth, it giveth Truro the preeminance: The like whereof I observe touching divers other towns, of the same situation, in Devon, as Salcomb and King's-bridge, Dartmouth and Totnes, Topsham, and Excester: amongst which, those that stand highest up in the country afford therethrough a fitter opportunity of access from all quarters, and so a speedier and larger vent of their commodities.

In Perin was Glasney College, founded by Walter Brounscomb, and benefited by John Graundson, Bishop of Excester, which see possesseth fair revenues thereabouts.

Upon another creek on the same side, Carclew hath (after the Cornish manner) well near metamorphosed by the name of Master Bonithon, his owner, into his own. He married the daughter of Vivian, his father of Killigrew, his grandfather of Erisy: and bearth, a chevron between three fleurs de lis s.

With any memorable act or accident, concerning this haven, I cannot acquaint you before my parting therefrom, save only, that Philip Archduke of Austria, during his voyage from Netherland towards Spain (his wife's kingdom), was weather-driven into Weymouth, and with a kind constraint, received a more royal than welcome entertainment, at the hands of King Henry the Seventh, from which he could not free himself, but by redeeming his liberty with De la Poole's captivity: this accomplished, he made choice to take ship again at Falmouth, so that by the shortest cut he might leave least power in fortune to thwart him any second encumbrance.

Commentary by Tonkin, ca1711:

This town, says Mr. Tonkin, quoting from Halse, hath been an old bailiwick, or portreeve town, privileged with a court-leet, and hath sent Members to the great council of Parliament for many ages, though not incorporated with a mayor, &c. till about the 10th of James I. since which time it hath received much benefit, and advanced itself by trade and merchandise. Though Mr. Carew tells us it was in his time neither regardable for wealth, buildings, or inhabitants, the case is now altered in all those three particulars; so that it equals, if not exceeds, most other towns in Cornwall.

Walter Branscombe, Bishop of Exon, founded ann. dom. 1288, within this parish (Gluvias), and adjoining to this town of Penryn, a collegiate church, consisting of a Dean and twelve Prebends, and gave it the name of Glasnith, from the bridge beneath the watchtower of the said college, yet standing [there were two such towers, built, as they say, for the defence of the place, besides this, here mentioned, one of which was standing within these few years] so called from the green or blue estuaries or flowings of the salt water under it, where it meets fresh water, for Glasnith in the British tongue signifies a blue or green bridge. John Grandison, the fifth Bishop in succession after him., in the year 1330, or thereabout, richly endowed this church with lands and revenues as appears from its value at the dissolution, 26th Henry VIII of 205l.20s. 6d. this sum being only the conventionally rents. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Thomas of Canterbury, that is to say, Thomas Beckett. The lands are now mostly in possession of Godolphin.