Elijah the Thatcher

Harmony Cot in 1905. Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, reed or other material to shed water and keep the building dry. This article, by Tony Mansell, was written in conjunction with Master Thatcher Elijah Francis as he undertook the re-roofing work on Harmony Cot, Blowing House,…Continue Reading “Elijah the Thatcher”

Was it painted by Opie?

  Dr Charlotte MacKenzie, regular Cornish Story contributor, is a prolific writer and speaker on Cornish History and here she turns her attention to the Opie family.   Occasionally, paintings believed to be lost are rediscovered. Or a known painting is identified as by a particular artist. The current whereabouts of paintings by the exceptionally…Continue Reading “Was it painted by Opie?”

Golitha Falls by Ruth Tremayne Harry

  Golitha Falls An autumn walk to cherish The colours inspire awe The River Fowey is flowing Like you’ve never seen before Draynes Wood is the beginning As the paths wind through the trees Where roots form stepping stones And moss and lichen frame the leaves You hear the rapids singing As you skirt the…Continue Reading “Golitha Falls by Ruth Tremayne Harry”

The Plain-an-gwarry at St Just: its conservation and restoration

First published in the Old Cornwall Society Journal Vol. XII, No. 4 in Spring 1999.   The Plain-an-gwarry in 1996. Note the evidence in the granite stones of Feast Day hand drilling contests (Photo: Michael Tangye)   Michael Tangye (Whythrer Meyn) of Redruth brings us an intriguing story of a conflict which could have led…Continue Reading “The Plain-an-gwarry at St Just: its conservation and restoration”

Pendragon – Owse up Treliske by Bert Biscoe

Another tongue-in-cheek poem from the pen and voice of one of Cornwall’s foremost poets           (Photo Steve Tanner) Vyager gans Geryow (Bert Biscoe) lives in Truro. He is a poet and songwriter whose work draws on his interest in history, politics, social justice and language. He represents the people of Moresk…Continue Reading “Pendragon – Owse up Treliske by Bert Biscoe”

Redruth Railway Station at Night – a poem by David Oates

When the mines closed, men left Cornwall in their thousands, going out literally into the unknown.  Many left from Redruth Station and their heartache is still there.   Clock creeps to midnight Soft sleep its gentle hostage takes Throughout the tired town. But there, where arc of bridge Throws high its granite span The day…Continue Reading “Redruth Railway Station at Night – a poem by David Oates”