The Wreck of the Rose of Devon

The treacherous cliffs at Porthtowan where the Rose of Devon foundered in 1897 Clive Benney, St Agnes Old Cornwall Society Recorder, brings us the story of the demise of the Rose of Devon. The involvement of police constable Benney is particularly interesting as he was Clive’s great-grandfather.   One of the most tragic and disastrous…Continue Reading “The Wreck of the Rose of Devon”

A trainline was proposed through St Agnes to the cliff above the harbour. What was its purpose and route? St Agnes historian, Clive Benney, shares his thoughts on the imaginative project.   Many will have heard of the Chacewater to Newquay Railway that passed through St Agnes Parish between 1903 and 1963 but how many…Continue Reading “The St Agnes Railway That Never Arrived”

St Agnes historian Clive Benney brings us a macabre, who-dunnit tale from 1920 in the sleepy village of Skinners Bottom.    A hundred years ago a couple were brutally murdered in the garden of their home. Two theories were put forward but what was the jury’s verdict? The garden where the bodies were found (Photo:…Continue Reading “Skinners Bottom Murders”