Cornwall's Hidden History Blog
This strange tumbled rock tor feels like an island as you approach it through the surrounding marshy ground. Looking up at the jutting outcrops of stone it appears like a castle, a fortress, rising above you into the blue sky. Helman, like the mighty Carn Brea or Trencrom further south, is an example of what […]
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Whatever the time of year I love the moors. Whether it is in the depths of winter when the air is sharp with cold, one of those days the wind tugs at you and takes your breath away or at the height of a bright blue-skied summers day. Then its a very different place, you can hear the heat coming […]
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Men Gurta or the St Breock Longstone stands high on the St Breock Downs within sight of a modern windfarm. Although the view from the hill is as a good reason as any to visit this particular stone is well worth looking for, it is a giant. In fact it is the largest and heaviest […]
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It has taken me far too long to get around to writing this article and it is only the thought of getting back out on the moor again in a few days time that forced my thoughts to turn once again to this unwritten story. It actually began with this blog. A piece I wrote […]
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Carwynnen quoit has fallen more than once. It’s giant stones have been raised up again and again, the first time 5000 years ago, then again in the 19th century and the last time in 2014. Yes, unfortunately it has taken me this long to get around to visiting but the twisting back roads led me to a impressive […]
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One of my favourite walks takes me on a lovely loop from Trevalga along a stunning stretch of coastline up through Rocky Valley and back to Trevalga via Trethevy. The Rocky Valley walk is quite famous in these parts and it’s close proximity to the surfing mecca of Newquay means that it gets plenty of […]
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When exactly mankind first discovered the art of smelting metal is a mystery. But what we do know is that tin has always played a major part of the history of Cornwall and its people. Up until recent years it was a vital part of our economy and our culture. And perhaps one day it […]
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I grew up in a household where farm work and animals came first, above anything else. Don’t misunderstand, I am not complaining. I had a blessed childhood with a kind of freedom that sadly very few children experience today. It taught me not only independence but also the importance of hard work and taking responsibility. […]
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No one these days really knows what a collar stud is, let alone wears one but King George V certainly did and he is said to have kept his in a rather special place. Cornwall is not really known for its treasure troves, we live in hope of a discovery like Sutton Hoo to put […]
Read MoreDriving out of Zennor village towards St Ives there is a house known as the Eagles Nest perched on a crag looking out to sea. It was in the valley below this house that D H Lawrence spent 1915 writing Women in Love and just opposite its white painted gate there is a track leading out across the downs. […]
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