Large parish east of the moor
The village is approximately four miles north-west of Callington and seven miles south of Launceston. The parish population at the 2011 census was 1,541.
As well as Linkinhorne village, other settlements in the parish include (in alphabetical order) Bray Shop, Caradon Town, Downgate, Henwood, Ley Mill, Minions, Netherton, Plushabridge, Rilla Mill, Sharptor and Upton Cross. The area is bordered by the River Inny in the north-east and Bodmin Moor to the west. The valley of the River Lynher runs through the parish.
Linkinhorne parish is within the Deanery and Hundred of East and is bounded on the north by North Hill and Lezant, on the east by Stoke Climsland and South Hill, on the south and west by St. Ive and St. Cleer.
The parish is largely rural, although west of the B3254 road from Launceston to Liskeard, the parish includes part of Caradon Hill, once an industrialised mining area.
The parish church of St. Melor is built of granite and dates from the 15th century. The tower is 120 feet high and the features of the church include a medieval altar slab, a 13th-century font and 15th-century wall paintings.
Also in the parish are the Holy Well of St. Melor; a 15th-century bridge over the River Lynher at Plushabridge; and near Minions the Rillaton round barrow (in which Bronze Age grave goods, including a gold beaker, were discovered in 1837). The Hurlers are a group of three stone circles near Upton Cross.
Daniel Gumb (1703-1766), Born and grew up in Linkinhorne later worked at the Cheesewring Quarry, where he built himself a stone 'cave'.
William Pollard (1810-1872) from Linkinhorne, won many Cornish Wrestling tournaments from the mid to late 1800's. He became champion of England. He was 6 feet 2 inches high and weighed 220 pounds. He was champion of Cornwall for seven years to 1869.
Theophilus Wodenote (1558-1662) was vicar of Linkinhorne from 1619 to 1651, when he was sequestered from his benefice on account of his adherence to the Royalist cause. He was restored to his vicarage in 1660, and was buried at Linkinhorne on 1st October 1662.
John Blydh (1854–?) was born in Linkinhorne and emigrated to the US. He beat the famous American wrestler Tom Carkeek in a celebrated match in 1878.
James Gerry (1858–?) was also born in Linkinhorne and emigrated to the US. He beat the best men of America including Tom Carkeek. He also had some success in Cornwall, drawing a match with Sam Rundle.
Bodmin Moor Minions Heritage Centre St. Cleer Ancient Sites in Cornwall North Hill
Minions Callington Launceston