Saint Hilary is named after the dedication of the local church to St Hilary of Poitiers, a 4th century bishop.

This former little mining village of granite cottages lies north-east of Marazion. Like other mining areas in the past it became notorious for drunkeness and unruly behaviour.

St Hilary has abounded in mines, especially in the manors of Treveneage and Tregurtha, but the most remarkable was a mine called Wheal Fortune which extended into the adjoining parish of Ludgvan. From this mine, the principal shareholders detrived a small fortune.