Extract from “Old Falmouth” by Susan GAY (pub 1903)
Ref: pages 185-186, Russell: Bowling Green

In an old indenture or deed of conveyance of the date 1701, framed and hung up in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Buildings, and relating to the Bowling Green, it is stated that this piece of land was sold to Dennis Russell in trust "...for the inhabitants of the towne of Falmouth and the parish of Budock, for a Bowling Green for the playing of bowles within the same and forever and to and for no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever..."

The plot was bought from Mr Alexander Pendarves of Roscrow and is signed by him and his "true and lawful attorneys" being Messrs James Bush & Nicholas Davey.

An odd condition is attached to it, that there was "...to be given to Mr Pendarves and his heirs a quart of the best wine that can or may be had or got on the 24th day of June for ever if the same be lawfully demanded on the spot and not other ways...". Apparently, if Mr Pendarves became hot in playing bowles, he could have some good wine on that particular day to slake his thirst, an odd and feudal condition in selling a piece of land.

(It is thought that the aforementioned indenture or deed is now kept at the Royal Cornwall Museum at Truro).

Collated by Mr Fred Barnett (J.P.), President, Penryn & Cornwall Old Cornwall Society, February 2003.