Tiny town, Marazion, bids to become UK's smallest city

At the time of the 2011 census Marazion had 1,440 residents

A tiny Cornish town could become the smallest and most southerly city in the UK if a bid to be recognised is granted.

Marazion has applied for city status as part of a competition for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Town councillor Richard Stokoe said with about 1,500 residents, its size did not matter.

The chair of the Marazion Chamber of Commerce, Paul Elliott, said it would also "stimulate local businesses".

The town council said Marazion had not spent any money on the application

At the time of the 2011 census, Marazion had 1,440 residents living next to Cornwall's rugged coastline.

While Marazion does not boast a cathedral, one of the traditional markers for cities, its coastline does feature the impressive ancient castle of St Michael's Mount on a tidal island in picturesque Mount's Bay.

Among its other attractions according to the town's website are its beach frequented by holidaymakers, walkers, and sailors, and its museum on the site of the town's former jail, with a replica cell for visitors to inspect.

Tamsin Woodhead, who runs Morva Marazion gift shop in the town, said applying for city status was a "fun idea" which would bring more visitors year round.

"It would be good for the town and good for us," she said.

"People come here to visit St Michael's Mount and the beach, but there is also a community of independent shops, cafes, pubs in the town."

Mr Stokoe, chairman of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Committee, said: "As it is often said, size is not important."

He added: "Despite being a David in a field of Goliaths applying for city status, anyone who has ever lived, worked or visited Marazion knows that there is something for everyone and that it would be a worthy winner of the award."

Mr Elliott said: "Although a small town, Marazion has many thriving businesses which welcome and serve over 400,000 British and international visitors each year.

"Achieving city status would further raise the profile of Marazion, stimulate local businesses and prosper the community in the immediate locality and beyond."

CITY STATUS FACTFILE:

• The current smallest city in the UK is St Davids in Wales with a population of 1,841

• The smallest in England is the City of London (7,375) followed by Wells (10,536)

• Marazion is about 26 miles west of Cornwall's only city of Truro

• There are 69 cities in the UK - 51 in England, six in Wales, seven in Scotland and five in Northern Ireland

• City status is rarely granted, with only 14 new cities created during the 20th Century

• The last time the government asked for submissions was in 2012 as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations

• In that competition, 25 towns applied for city status with three being granted - one in Wales (St Asaph), Scotland (Perth) and England (Chelmsford)

• Anti-Brexit campaigners declared Totnes in Devon an "independent city state" in 2018, though it was never officially recognised as such

Marazion was given chartered status in 1257 by Henry III.

Mayor of Marazion, councillor Derek Laity, said: "The original charter of 1257 was reaffirmed by Elizabeth I in 1595 and perhaps now would be a fitting time if her namesake would consider the application that has been made."

The town council said Marazion had not spent any money on the application.

The Queen is due to confer city status on one or more towns next year to mark her 70-year reign.

St Michael's Mount sits off the coast of Marazion

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