My father W.G.L. Tonkin was born in Bodmin in 1904 where he lived until he went to Exeter University to train as a teacher. He went to London in 1923, married and had two sons. He taught in Hackney and later became a headmaster in Westminster. He returned to Cornwall, which he loved, whenever he could. His father was a well known ironmonger who owned a shop in Fore Street. Four generations of Tonkins were ironmongers in Bodmin. After retirement he was asked by my brother, Gregory, to recount his experience of life in Bodmin when he was young. A 'Boy in Cornwall' is an account of his experiences.