Antony

A rural parish centered on Antony House, a magnificent early Georgian mansion. Parkland, estate farms, and timeless Cornish countryside within sight of Plymouth Sound. History: Antony (pronounced with the stress on the first syllable: AN-tony) has been the seat of the Carew family since the 15th century. Antony House, built between 1711 and 1721, is one of Cornwall's finest early Georgian houses, now owned by the National Trust. The house stands in landscaped grounds overlooking the tidal waters of the Lynher River. The parish church of St James stands beside the house, a medieval building with a fine 15th-century tower. Antony was always an estate village – farms, cottages, and the church all within the orbit of the Carew family's landholdings. The Carews were major figures in Cornish history, serving as High Sheriffs and MPs. The estate provided employment for agricultural laborers, craftsmen, and domestic servants. In the 19th and 20th centuries, as the estate economy declined, Antony became a quieter place. The opening of Antony House to the public in the late 20th century brought new visitors. Today, the parish remains rural, with farms, woodlands, and the house and gardens as its focal point. The area is popular with walkers and those exploring the Rame Peninsula.