FOWEY (usually pronounced Foy), a seaport and town in Cornwall, England, 264i m. W.S.W. of London on a branch of the G.W.R. from Lostwithiel, 25 m. by sea W. of Plymouth. Pop. (1931) 2,382. It lies on the estuary of the river Fowey, sheltered by a screen of hills. The 14th century church of St. Nicholas, on the site of an older edifice dedicated to St. Finbar of Cork, has many beautiful features. Place house, adjacent, is a Tudor build ing of the time of Henry VII. Some old houses remain in the town. Deep-sea fishing is carried on, and there is a staple trade in the export of china clay. Fowey harbour will admit large vessels and affords protection from the south-west gales. The ruin of St. Catherine's fort stands at the harbour's month. Connected with the town by ferry, is Polruan village, where there is an ancient roodstone, and the remains of Hall House, which was garrisoned during the Civil War.
.Fowey (Fawy, Vawy, Fowyk) held a leading position amongst Cornish ports from the reign of Edward I. to the days of the Tudors. The numerous references to the privateering exploits of its ships in the Patent and Close Rolls and the large number of them (over 4o) at the siege of Calais in 1346 testify to its impor tance. A charter of incorporation was granted by James II. and extended by a second charter in 1690. In 1316 the prior of Tywardreath, as lord of the manor, obtained the right to hold a Monday market and two fairs, which by the charter of 1690 were altered to a Saturday market and three fairs that continue to be held.