BOSCASTLE, a sea-port (small), and formerly a market town, in the parishes of FORRABURY and MINSTER, hundred of LESNEWTH, county of CORNWALL, 17 miles {W. by N.) from Launceston, and 230 (W. by S.) from London. The population is returned with the parishes. This place takes its name from a castle erected by some of the family of Bottereaux, who settled here in the reign of Henry II., of which only the site remains. The town is romantically situated on the northern coast, and contains several respectable houses. A pilchard fishery, established a few years since, but soon afterwards relinquished, contributed greatly to the improvement of the quay, which is accessible to ships of three hundred tons' burden. The port is a member of the port of Padstowe, and considerable trade is carried on in corn, Delabole slate, and manganese (of which last there is a mine in the neighbourhood), which are sent coastwise, and coal and timber brought in return. The fairs are on August 5th for lambs, and November 22nd for ewes and cattle. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists; and some remains of an ancient chapel, dedicated to St. James, are visible.