on the spot. As the place rapidly increased beyond
the licence, in 1613 Sir John was disposed to further
extend it, and build a town, but was interrupted in
his attempt by Truro, Penryn, and Helston, which
exerted all their influence to prevent it. Truro was
jealous of the prosperity of Penryn, and was deadly
opposed to the growth of a new town so near the
entrance of the harbour, one which would have many
advantages over itself in point of situation.
In a petition to James I. it was said that the erection of a town at Smithick would tend to the impoverishment of the ancient coinage towns and market towns aforenamed, and therefore humbly prayed that Killigrew might be restrained in his undertaking. The king thereupon stopped the builders, and ordered his privy councillors to get information from the Governor of Pendennis Castle relative to the projected town. The latter replied that the project was excellent, as such a place, being at the mouth of the Fal Harbour, could at once and readily supply such ships as put in there, instead of forcing them to go up two miles to Penryn or nine to Truro. The king then resoh^ed on erecting a town at Smithick, and Sir John Killigrew was encouraged to proceed.
During the protectorship of Cromwell, although the Killigrews had been staunch Royalists, yet Sir Peter succeeded in having the custom-house removed from Penryn to Smithick, and in 1652 in getting the place elevated to the position of market town. Smithick continued to be the name until August 20th, 1660, when, in consequence of an application
