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History of St.Keverne Church, by Frank Curnow, Churchwarden for 29 years.
Sometime between 500 and 600 A.D., a man came to St. Keverne, who eventually
gave his name to the place. KIERAN or KEV RAN came from Cape Clear in the
district of Kerry, Ireland, and was probably the first Christian to live in this
parish.
On the site of our Parish Church, he built himself a hut to live in and another
close by to serve as a Church, at the entrance of which he would have placed a
wooden Cross.
It is not known whether he died here, but if he did, he would have been buried
near his two huts, later when other Christians died, they would have been buried
near him. Thus the Church and Churchyard had begun in St.Keverne.
The more permanent building which followed survived the Saxon invasion, it is
mentioned in Saxon Charters in 911 A.D., and there is no doubt it was
collegiate, a centre of religious learning and education. The church and lands
were seized by Robert, Earl of Mortain soon after the Norman Conquest, and it
was then that the collegiate character of the Church was lost, and it became the
Parish Church of the largest parochial area in West Cornwall. (10,158 acres).
SI.Keverne is mentioned in Domesday Book (1085) as LANNACHEBRANN,
i.e. the Church of St.Kebran, and reads "The Canons have one Manor called
LANNACHEBRANN, which the same Saint held T.R.E. (Time of Edward)
there in are eleven acres of land. Seven teams can plough this. The Canons have
eight beasts, thirty sheep and twenty acres of pastures. Worth five shillings,
when Count received it worth forty shillings."
Norman architecture can still be seen in the north-west corner of the Church, but
most of the present building is of l5th century origin.
King John founded the Cistercian Abbey of Beaulieu in 1204, his son Richard
Earl of Cornwall, presented the Manor of Lannachebrann with the Church of
St.Acheveran to the Abbot of Beaulieu in 1235. Thus from that date until the
dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538, the Abbotts of Beaulieu
were Patrons of St.Keverne.
During that time, the church was rebuilt and the building assumed its present
size and perpendicular style. The tower was built in 1450, and struck by
lightening in 1770, when the spire was rebuilt.
The Waggon roof was restored in 1893 together with other parts of the building.
It was then that the l3th century wall painting of St. Christopher, over the
North door was discovered, it having been plastered over and whitewashed in the
Cromwellian period. The ancient bench ends salvaged from the old pews during
this restoration are well worth studying. The pulpit is Jacobean and the font is
of l5th century workmanship.
Eight bells replaced the three originals in 1907, when the two-faced clock was
also added to the tower. In the clergy vestry is a list of Rectors and Vicars
dating from 1201.
The East window was erected by the owners of the 'Mohegan', to the memory of
106 persons drowned when it was wrecked on the Manacles in 1898. In the north-
east corner of the Churchyard are the mass graves of many victims of the wrecks
on our coast.
I trust this short description of our Church will inspire many to make a visit
and discover for themselves many other features not mentioned here.
As you walk through the South door,you are entering a place where for more
than 1,300 years, men and women have come together to worship. The
opportunity is yours to join them.
ST.KEVERNE FEAST from notes made by Frank Curnow.
Carew the historian writes "The Saint's Feast" is kept on Dedication day by
every householder of the Parish, within his own doors, when he entertains all
comers."
St.Keverne Feast Day is l8th November, when the Parish is remembered in
prayers at the Cathedral. At the Parish Church it is celebrated on the Sunday
nearest to that date. In an old record dated 1 st June 1236 we read that Thomas-
de-Prideas and his wife, Sibilla were ordered by the Justices to pay the Abbott
of Beaulieu and Parson of St.Keveran, one pound of wax yearly at the Feast of
St.Keveran, so evidently the Feast was a well known festival even in those early
days. It probably dates back to the period before the Norman Conquest when
St.Keverne was a collegiate Church with Deans and Canons.
During the period of want and distress in the l8th and part of the l9th centuries,
St. Keverne Feast was like a ray of sunshine on a wintry morning. Then, the poor
with their Dorcas Club tickets obtained the food and clothing they so sorely
needed. The annual market was also held in the market house in the village
square. Feast Monday and Tuesday were recognised holidays in the earlier years
of this century. The schools were closed, while farmers and others enjoyed the
time hunting and shooting. The Tuesday evening was always a lively time in the
square, when the various stalls - lit with paraffin flare lamps- sold such things
as home made rock to a toy monkey on a stick.
Our Feast is still kept in a modified way, with the sale in the Church Hall,
Services on Sunday, Male Voice Choir Concert, and the Meet of the local Hunt,
and so the memory of our Patron Saint, who brought Christianity to this place
and established our Church, is remembered in this present age of so many
changes.
Notes from Canon W.A. Diggens,
written as an introduction to his proposed History of St.Keverne.
To people continuously resident in places that boast centuries of history, the
antiquities that meet their eyes every day, do not always appeal, as they appeal
to persons who have long dwelt in newer lands. The writer, though associated in
his early life with people of peculiar archaeological interest had, up to the
time he went abroad, no proper appreciation of their attractions, nor any
particular desire to learn of their several histories. But after a sojourn of
seventeen years, in the newly settled lands of Australia and New Zealand, where
the convict settlements and the Maori Wars of the early nineteenth century, were
matters of ancient history, he returned to the 'old country' to discover by
contrast, a charm and fascination in these objects which hitherto had failed to
impress him.
To a returned emigrant like himself, St. Keverne was a place peculiarly calculated
to stir up interest in the past. As he entered the noble Church with its beautiful
arcades of vari-coloured stones, with its three curious rood-loft stairways, with
its frescoes,carvings and monuments. As he examined the tomb stones, tablets
and registers with their pathetic records of shipping disasters. As he came upon
Menhir or Barrow or Cromlech in his walks, as he listened to the old men
recounting their experiences of shipwreck, or relating smuggling stories that they
had learnt from their parents. As he came on occasions within the mystic circle of
old world superstitions, or listened to fragments of folk-lore and he was seized
with a compulsion to write. He longed to write a history of the parish, as he felt
with an ever increasing conviction that the annals of a place so rich in incident,
ought not to be lost with the passing of time.
In the British Museum and different libraries he consulted and made extracts
from Rolls, Journals of Learned Societies, Episcopal Registers and other Works.
He was greatly assisted in this work by his sisters, who have been indefatigable
in their searches and materials, out of which to fashion a parochial history and
whose patient labours cannot be too gratefully acknowledged.
Documents of rare value have been freely lent by Parishioners and friends, which
have enabled him to correct in one or two instances, mistakes made by writers
who did not have access to those sources of information. One notable instance is
that of the involuntary voyage of Mr. John Sandys and others to the coast of
France. Hal's romantic but very inaccurate version has been incorporated into
more than one history of Cornwall.
The minutes of the Parish meetings and Churchwardens and Overseers accounts
for the past 150 years, which the writer has carefully studied have not,
apparently, been hitherto exploited. From these much information has been
obtained as to Parochial doings in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Upon some matters of such supreme interest as the designing and building of the
Church, he has unfortunately been unsuccessful in discovering records. It would
seem that none of the Medieval Bishops ever ventured so far off the beaten track
as to visit St.Keverne. Consequently there are few references to the Church in
their Registers.
It must be remembered that the Parish is not only situated in a remote country,
but in a part of that country that is right away from the highways and traffic.
With its great sea frontage to the East, with Crouza and Goonhilly to the South
and West, and with Gillian Creek, an estuary of the Helford River to the North,
it is so effectively cut off from the surrounding world as to be civilly and
socially, if not geographically, practically an island. For centuries it has been
a place in which the inhabitants managed their own affairs and resented anything
in the nature of interference from the outside. An ex-parishioner coming back to
St.Keverne was, and is today,termed a 'foreigner'. The people might quarrel
amongst themselves but are agreed in resisting the counsel of the intruder. They
mostly settled their differences, at least in later days, with a vote, taken by
means of black and white beans. But dictation from outsiders, they abhorred.
Even the great St. Kearian himself, who planted the Church in the village, is
traditionally said to have been treated with scant respect.
When, in the days of Norman Kings, the old Dean and Canons were abolished in
order that the Church might be affiliated to the Abbey of Beaulieu, St. Keverne
people appear to have given the intruding Monks anything but a welcome. At the
Reformation, in the days of Edward VI, an emissary was sent to the Helston
district to destroy certain images in the Churches. St.Keverne men would not
submit to such an outrage upon their religious liberties, and took the speediest
way of giving effect to their intentions. They went into Helston and killed the
Commissioner, they initiated an armed rebellion in defence of their spiritual
privileges.
Coming to more modern times, they offered strenuous opposition to the Poor
Law Amendments-Act, stoutly alleging that they could manage their own affairs
and look after their own poor.
Exposed, as they were, to 'perils of the sea' and in some periods to invasion by
pirates and marauders, driven by the stern force of circumstances to rely upon
their own resources, living in a little world of their own, St.Keverne men
naturally developed a sturdy and independent spirit and became defiant of
outside authority. Any government officers who ventured so far afield as to visit
this isolated parish, mostly came for the purpose of exacting tribute and
disturbing the even tenor of the people's ways. So, if the latter were unable to
resist them then they tried to outsmart them and thus developed the smuggling
instinct. All through their history, they have been, as compared with the rest of
the county,a people apart. The political and religious movements which
overwhelmed and engulfed other people, only remotely touched them. But when
they happened they were roused to the bitterest and most vehement opposition.
If any proof were needed of the very unique and isolated position of the parish
in relation of Cornwall, it may be found in the fact that possessing, as it does,
one of the finest Churches in the county and having, for an agricultural and
fishing district, a large population, yet not only did none of the Medieval
Bishops of Exeter find his way here, not even the Wesleys, who made so many
itineries in West Cornwall, were seen not to have got sufficiently off the main
thoroughfares as to visit St.Keverne.
This little world so far removed from the crowded haunts of men, self-reliant,
self centered and self governed, as it, almost alone of the parishes of England,
could be.
The very isolation of the parish and its communal independence lend to its
history, in the writer's judgement, a freshness and charm that are not always
found in differently situated localities.
W.A.Diggens, Vicar of St.Keverne. 1896 - 1913.
Description of the Mural Painting of St.Christopher, in St.Keverne Church,
from the Royal Institution of Cornwall Journal,1905.
"Unfortunately the picture itself is less perfect than when the paper on 'Mural
Paintings in Cornish Churches' was compiled, and is still going worse the
plaster has lost its nature and is daily flaking off. This has prevented further
clearing of the top ornamentation part of which (e.g. the arch carrying the words
'Prais yee the Lord' is so conspicuous). This arch is coloured slate grey, as is
all of the superimposed painting. It is especially conspicuous in the trellis
work hiding Christopher's right shoulder in the centre panel, in the arch behind
him, in the trellis work behind the arch (red) of the hermit's cell, and in the
bands that cross the second panel on the left. The top left-hand panel has been
slightly uncovered and probably represents the arrival of Christopher at Dagon's
Court in Samos when he planted his iron staff in the ground and it forthwith put
forth leaf and bloom. The chronological order of events in the legend requires us
to descend on the left and ascend on the right, for the scene of the iron chair
preceded that of the shooting. The intermediate panel representing Christopher
as one of the cynocephali (if this is what it does represent) seems out of place,
unless we conclude that the saint having been elsewhere represented as entirely
human in shape (in contradiction to the legend) the artist tonk this opportunity
of reminding us of the story. When the iron chair had given way Christopher
started up and prayed, and his face was full of a glorious light. This so alarmed
the king that he fell from his throne and lay a long time on the ground. Then
arising, he addressed some abusive remarks to Christopher, and calling him an
'evil beast' (fera mala) ordered him to be shot. This expression perhaps gave the
artist his opportunity, We think too, this ascent on the right gives us the
explanation of the top panel, in which could, till recently, be seen a small
figure seated and a tall one standing by him. Probably this represented
Christopher telling Dagon how to cure his wounded eye by making clay with the
saint's blood, which we prophesied he should shed upon the morrow.
On the rocks to the left of the centre panel note the head of a dog (much like a
modern pointer, outlined in grey and shaded yellow) and the bird (similarly
coloured) swallowing a fish (red). On the rocks on the other side note the rabbits
and fishing reel, and in front of the rabbits the hermit is holding the lanthorn
(red) where-with he lighted the saint across the water.
The figure of the hermit is now almost faded away, but the form of it can be
distinctly traced. The greater part of the original picture is red of various
shades, a good deal of the background is yellow, and some of the outlines are
slate colour. It will be seen that the picture was formerly of greater height
than it is now. It has been much damaged by having had a monument fixed over it."
Canon Diggens' essay, based on his personal research about the menhir in
St.Keverne, on the farm which takes its name from it - Tremenhere,
(the farm or settlement by the long stone).
St.Keverne boasts a splendid upright specimen on the farm which takes its name
from it, Tremenhere (Tre-Men-Hir). A little to the right of the footpath leading
from Touch-My-Pipes in the direction of Churchtown, the great stone is to be
seen in all its pristine and rugged grandeur.
Mr.Copeland Borlase describes it such, "So finely proportioned and
symmetrical in its outline, is this stone, that although a tool has never been
used on it, it might with justice be termed a handsome monument. It is a diallage
rock measuring 9ft. Sin. in height. In bulk, at a distance 2ft. 6in. off the
ground it measures lOft. l0in. but tapers off towards the top. In its ground plan
it is triangular having three faces of which the southernmost is the wider.
Judging from similar monuments in the West, it seems probable that on this latter
side the internment took place. The ground however never seems to have been
searched."
But why conclude there was necessarily a burial here? If burials took place near
Menhirs and Dolmens it was probably for the same reason that they have taken
place in and around our Churches in the Christian Ages. The spots were
considered sacred. It would be just as reasonable for the antiquarians writing in
A.D.4000 to write of our Churches as places of sepulture, because human
remains are found in their neighbourhood, as for us to draw the same
conclusions from the fact that the ancients loved to bury their dead in what they
regarded as holy ground. The Menhirs and Dolmens were perhaps not designed
originally, any more than our Christian Churches, for sepulchral purposes even
though in the process of time, internment might have taken place in their
vicinity.
Looking at the great Tremenhere stone weighing several tons, and at similar but
larger ones in Brittany, such as Beg Meil, one naturally wonders how the
uncivilized ancients, ever moved and erected them. Thought at once flies to the
East, and we find ourselves asking if the people in Gaul and Britain could have
had any instruction from the builders of the great stone monuments there.
Possibly our surmises are not wide of the mark, as will, one day, be explained.
From the fact that the St. Keverne Menhir is unlettered and unknown, we may
conclude that it was set up before the arts of writing and stone cutting were
known in the land. In that case it is likely enough that the Menhir has stood in
its present position for three or four thousand years.
Notes from Canon Diggens researchers about "St. Keverne's Curse."
"Among other interpretations of the word Meneage, was 'Meanake' - the deaf
stone - the reason given for this rendering being that though there are several
mineral lodes or veins in this district, they are deaf or barren.
What greater punishment could be inflicted on Cornishmen than depriving their
native soil of the precious ore which gives employment to some and fortunes to
others? This did St. Keveran.
For the irreligion of the inhabitants and for their disrespect, he pronounced a
curse against them, and caused the mineral veins to be unproductive. Hence the
proverb, "No metal will run, within the sound of St. Keverne Bells."
In 1281, William de Waleys and a number of bailiffs came to St. Keverne to claim
some cattle from John, son of Matthew. In an ensuing fight, John was killed by
William, who then took sanctuary in St. Keverne Church.
In the Patent Rolls,1281-1292, we read:
July lOth, Carnarvon.
"Pardon at the insistence of Eleanor, the King's Mother, to
Robert de Aleburne, for the trespass, which he committed with
others, of dragging William de Waleys, (the King's Attorney),
Charged with the murder of John, son of Matthew, from the
Church of St. Keverne, Cornwall."
Footnote: People who made use of the sanctuary offered by St. Keverne Church
probably made good their escape under cover of darkness, along the paths
through Tregonning, Treleague, Roskruge Barton and Bosahan to Treath,
which is recognised as being a 'sanctuary road.'
Myghal Joseph memorial slate, was placed on the churchyard wall in 1966.
Myghal Josef was the village blacksmith, a man of the type Canon Diggens
described in his essay, of 'sturdy and independent spirit and defiant of outside
authority.' This is an extract from Jill Newton's book, 'The Lizard.'
A simple slate slab, set into the wall near the Church gate commemorates - in
Cornish and English - St. Keverne's martyred rebel. Myghal Josef- known as An
Gof, the Smith - was the village blacksmith, 'a man of great force and great
courage.' In 1497 Cornwall was heavily taxed as a result of Henry VII declaring
war on Scotland. It was the last straw for the pitifully poor Cornishmen. An Gof,
gathered his fellow rebels about him. Together with lawyer, Thomas Flamank,
the army marched on London, rallying at Blackheath. Weary from the long
march, outnumbered by the King's troops and without horse and artillery the
army was defeated. Myghal Josef and Thomas Flamank were hung, drawn and
quartered at Tyburn. An Gof said of himself that he would have 'a name
perpetual and a fame permanent and immortal,' he was right. This memorial was
unveiled in 1966 and each year there is a ceremony to remember him."
At the unveiling of the An Gof memorial on Saturday October 2nd,1966 the
following prayer in Cornish for Cornwall and Cornishmen throughout the world
was said.
"A Das OIIgaIlosek ha pur-druethek, ny a'th pys a ry dha vennath dhe bup Kernow-
oll; yn agar Pow-ny ha dres oll an norvys, kefrys y'n enys-ma ha tremor, y'n le
may mons, war dyr ha war dhowr, lemmyn ha pup ur-oll. Gwra benyga ober ha lafur
ago dywla ha pup tra-oll gansa us gwres rak les Kernow, ha rak les an norvys.
Ro dhedha dha nerth, may crethaho ago holon herwyth 'braster aga omgemeryans,
preder, towl, creft, Iyen, gwary kyn fo, ha gront dhedha may hallons dha wordhya
yn spyrys hag yn gwyryoneth, dre ras agan Arluth Jesu Cryst. Amen."
The translation is as follows:
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we pray Thee to give Thy blessing to all
Cornishmen, in our land and throughout all the world, in this island as well as
overseas, wherever they may be, on land or sea, now and always. Bless the work
and labour of their hands, and everything that they do for the good of Cornwall
and the world. Give them Thy might, that their hearts may be strengthened in
accordance with their undertakings, whether thought, plan, crafts, learning or
past-times, and grant that they may worship Thee in spirit and in truth, through
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
Leland in his Itinery from 1533 -1550, writes the following:
"Also wythyn III miles of the south betwene Haylford and the est side of
Mountes Bay is a wyld moore cawled Goonhilly (i.e. hilly hethe), where ye brood
of catayle. Also yn the west syde of the poynt of Haylford haven and withyn the
land of Moncke or Manegland is a parish Church of St. Keveryn otherwise
Piranus and there is a sanctuary with X or XII houses and thereby was a sel
(all of monkes but now go home to ther hed hows). The ruins of the monastery yet
remaineth."
Norden's Speculi Britannica (written 1593, edition published 1728)
Of horses in Cornwall.... "Their horses are of small growth being fed and
brought up upon the high colde and harde mountaigne. There is a kind of nagges
bredd upon a mountainous and spacious piece of grounds called Goon-hilly,
lying between the sea-waste and Helston, which are the hardest nagges and beste
of travaile for their bones within this Kingdom, resembling in body for quantitie
and in goodness of mettle the Galloway Naggs."
From Letters Foreign and Domestic of Henry VIII.
Sent from Sir William Drugo,
Vicar of St. Keverne,1531-1547 to Lady Lisle in Calais.
He writes he 'Is glad to hear of her health and desirest be commended to Lord
Lisle upon the token that your Ladyship laughed heartily at dinner for the great
wise answer that I gave unto my Lord."
The letter continues thanking Lady Lisle for the good cheer when he was last
with them and advising them that he is sending a "kilderkin containing four
Cornish congers."
St. Keverne 24th January, 1535.
Footnote (JN): Lord Lisle (Arthur Plantagenet) was the acknowledged
illegitimate son of Edward IV. In the years from 1533 - 1540 he was the Lord
Deputy of Calais for Henry VIII. His wife Honor was a Grenville by birth, and
whilst they lived in Calais, letters crossed the channel daily, enabling them to
deal with all their home affairs. In 1540, Lord Lisle was accused of treason, and
kept in the Tower of London for two years, expecting to be beheaded at any time.
In March 1542, he was pardoned by the King, only to die the following night,
after an excessive bout of rejoicing!
In the late sixteenth century St. Keverne fishermen feared the danger of being
captured by Spaniard and paid for information about the Navy. The following is a
precis of a report in State papers
Confession of Sampson Porth, of st. Keverne, Sailor, before Hannibal Vyvyan.
"While fishing with three others in Falmouth Bay, 7th May last, we were taken
by a 'shallop' of Bluett, commanded by one Ferris; a Fleming, and manned with
16 sailors and 20 soldiers. Were carried to Bluett, and bought before Don Dieo
general of the army there, who by an Englishman that was in one of the galleys
there, examined them on oath as to what preparation of shipping was being made
in England and under whose government. Told him there was 100 and 120 sail
and that Sir Francis Drake was general. He urged them to say whither they were
bound but they could not tell. After re-examination of him, he had a pass to
leave in a bark belonging to Mr. Sayer of Dartmouth......
By the 1630's the 'Turkish' piracy had become severe and a fleet of ships
known as the 'Lion's Whelps' cruised the Channel for several years, to
suppress these pirates, St. Keverne fishermen suffered badly at their hands:
One account by the Justices of the Peace,
sitting in the Quarter Assizes at Bodmin:
"The men through terror of that misery whereunto these persons are carried by
these cruel infidels would rather give over their trade than put their estates
and persons into so great peril, there now being 60 vessels and about 200 seamen
without employment. These Turks daily show themselves at St. Keverne,
Mounts Bay and other places that the poor fishermen are fearful not only to o
to the seas, but likewise lest these Turks should come ashore and take them out
of their houses."
From Domestic State Paper's, Charles I. June 20th (no date is given, possibly
1636).
Examination of Richd. Plummer, Master of Barge at Plymouth, Called the
'Mercury.'
"On Wednesday night last, he sailed in the said barge out of Plymouth with three
others to St. Keverne, Cornwall and arrived there on Thursday morning, where
he heard it credibly reported with sorrowful complaints and lamentable tears of
women and children that on the l5th instant, 3 fisherboats belonging to St.
Keverne, and 3 others from Helston,1 more from Mollans (Mullion) and about
50 men in them being on coast fishing near Blackhead between Falmouth and
The Lizard, not 3 leagues from shore, were taken by the Turks who carried both
men and boats away. During my time on board at St. Keverne from Thursday to
Sabbath day following, no news heard of the men or boats, so goes for absolute
truth thereabouts, they were surprised by Turks and carried away."
From the diary of a Royalist soldier - written about 1644:
"The Cornish language is spoken altogether at Goonhilly in Meneage not far
from the Lizard, and about Pendennis and Land's End they speak no English."
However English was also spoken in St. Keverne at this time. Captain Hannibal
Vyvyan who served under Sir Richard Vyvyan of Bogan, a Captain in the Royalist
Army, He left a beautifully written Will, Trelowarren, lived at Treleague,
St. Keverne
From the Circle, edited by Penaluna, Helston,1819:
"At the time of the rebellion in the reign of Charles I, a number of men under
the command of Mr. Bogans of Treleague in St. Keverne who had accepted a
commission from King Charles 1st. posted themselves in a most advantageous
situation at Gear in Mawgan with an apparent determination of defending that
important pass. But the parliament troops advancing, and shewing themselves in
much greater force than was expected Major Bogans' men deserted him with out
coming to action some betook themselves to the Dinas, the greater art
dispersed and Major Bogans' himself fled to Hilter's (Kilter's) Cave in this
parish, and concealed himself in a cave in the rocks.
This event is still remembered in Meneage by the name of The Gear Rout."
Guizot in his History of the English revolution,
points out how terribly the Cornish peasants hammered
the parliamentarians.
"If the English," says he, "had fought as well for Charles I, as the Cornishmen
the fate of the Civil War would have been otherwise." Charles recognised their
loyalty and sent a letter to those who fought so bravely for him.
In the back of the Church a large painted notice reads:
CAROLUS REX
TO THE INHABITANTSS OF THE COUNTY OF CORNWALL
"We are so highly sensible of the extraordinary merits of our County of
Cornwall, of their zeal for the defense of our person & the just rights of our
crown, in a time when we could contribute so little to our own defense, or to
their assistance, in a time when not only no reward appeared but great & robable
dangers were threat'ned to obedience & loyalty of their great & eminent
courage, & patience, in their indefatigable prosecutions of their work a against
so potent an enemy (back'd with so strong, rich & populous cities & so
plentifully furnished with men, arms, money ammunition & provisions of all kinds)
and of so wonderful success with which it hath pleased Almighty God (tho with ye
loss of some eminent persons who shall never be forgotten by us to reward their
loyalty & patience) by many strange victories over their & our enemies, in dispite
of humane probability & all imaginable disadvantages; that as we cannot but
desire to publish to all the world, and perpetuate to all times, ye memory of
their merits & of our acceptance of the fame, & to that end we do hereby render
our royal thanks to that our County in ye most publick & lasting manner we can
devise. Commanding coppies hereof to be printed and published & one of them
to be read in every Church & Chapple therein, & to be kept for ever as a record
in the same, that as long as the history of these times, & of this nation, shall
continue: the memory of how much that County hath merited from us and our
Crown may be derived with it to posterity.
An account of a remarkable thunder-storm.
In a letter from the Rev. Anthony Williams, Rector of St. Keverne,
to the Rev. William Borlase, dated February 1770.
"For several days before the thunder storm which fell on St. Keverne spire and
Church on Sunday the 18th day of February last, the wind was very hard at
North and the North wind accompanicd with violent showers of hail, which had
done some damage to the roof of the Church and many houses in Churchtown.
On the Sunday morning above mentioned, the wind was excessive hard and
about six, I saw some few faint flashes of lightning, which as day came on, if it
continued, became imperceptible. The weather being too bad, prevented a great
number of people coming to Church which in all human probability was a happy
circumstance, for about a quarter after eleven o'clock, while I was in the latter
end of the Litany Service, we had a very fierce flash of lightning, followed at a
distance of four or five seconds by the loudest thunder I remember ever to have
heard, but which did no damage, nor seemed in the least to disturb any of the
congregation, though at the same time the roof of the Church was 'riffling' and
the hail made a noise terrible to be heard. In half a minute after this, as
nearly as I can possibly guess, the whole congregation, except five or six
persons, were at once struck out of their senses. I myself received the shock so
suddenly as not to remember if I either heard the thunder or saw the lightning.
The first thing that I can recollect with a degree of certainty is that I found
myself in the Vicarage seat, which is very near the desk, without gown or
surplice, bearing in my arms, as I then thought, a dead sister, and God knows it
was a miracle she was not so. I perceived a very strong sulphurous smell, almost
suffocating and a great heat. At this time the confusion amongst the
congregation was inconceivable, some running out of the Church for safety and
returning into it again (for stones from the roof were falling on our heads both
in and out of the Church). Some of them fell to their knees imploring for Divine
assistance, giving themselves up to a certain destruction and a great many in
different places of the Church were lying quite motionless, whom I thought then
to be quite dead.
In the afternoon, my thoughts being a little composed (I believe for a full two
hours I could not said to be rightly in my senses) I walked to the Church to see
what damage was done; and such a scene presented is as horrible to think of,
much more to see. The Churchyard is also full of ruins; the spire which was about
48 foot high from the battlements of the tower, was carried halfway down, and
the remaining part cracked in four places, very irregularly down to the bottom.
The North side of the tower from the battlements to the arch of the bell chamber
window was quite out, except the corner stone which remained firm and
unmoved; the lead on the top of the tower was greatly damaged, melted in
several places and as if it were rolled together. The arch of the belfry door,
which was very strongly built, with a remarkable hard iron stone laid in lead was
also greatly damaged; some of the stones were cracked crossways and just removed
out of their places. Others were quite hove out and the lead between the joints
not only melted, but loosened so as you might pick it out with your fingers. The
traces of lightning were here discovered along the surface of the earth, the
stones were thrown from the top of the spire onto the tops of many houses in the
Churchtown, but did no great hurt. On a gentleman's house one stone weighing
l4lb. fell through the roof onto the chamber but did no further hurt than to make
a hole in the roof and plastering. It is to be observed that the stones from the
spire were scattered in all directions, as well as against the wind as with it,
some of which, but not very large, were found but a little short of a quarter of
a mile. The spire from the top six feet downwards was solid, through which passed
an iron spike to fix the weather cock on. Did not the lightning strike first on
this spike and was conducted through the solid part of the spire, having no iron
to conduct it any more, burst into the hollow part of the spire and threw the
stones in all directions. It is so remarkable that the spike was found in the
bell chamber, and the weather cock in the battlements.
The bells were not in the least damaged, though a deal board that lay across the
beams to which the bells were hung, was split lengthways in two pieces. Every
seat in Church had rubbish in it, some more, some less, and stones of a large
size from 1501bs. in weight and upwards scattered here and there amongst the
congregation, which damaged the seats, but did no hurt to the people though
they sat in those very seats where the stones fell. The lightning entered the
Church at the West end and went out through the East end. The holes where it
came in and went out are not large, neither are the walls much damaged. The
belfry window was shattered to pieces, not one whole pane, I believe, may be
found in it. Many other windows also suffered greatly, the glass being much
shattered. The lightning entered also through two places in the roof, one near
the singing loft and struck upon a pillar just by it, the traces of it are to be
seen from the top of the pillar almost to the bottom. There were, sitting by the
pillar, two young men, one in the singing loft and the other under him in the
Church, who were both lightly scorched; he in the loft, from head to foot and the
other in the face only; but it is remarkable that his hat which hung on a nail
just above him was cut in two pieces.
In the other place, the lightning entered just above the desk and pulpit and fell
in like manner on a pillar, which stands in the Vicarage seat. But here it was a
great deal more violent and as the object of its prey was my sister, I hope you
will excuse my being very particular. Upon this pillar rested a large oak seat,
the bottom of which was burst into pieces and one of these pieces being a very
large one was thrown from its place to a distance of about 20ft. and appeared to
be burnt, and the other piece did not fall. From thence the lightning came down
the pillar with great force, tore the seat into many pieces, knocked my sister
down and made its way through the bottom of the seat into the earth. She had
pattens on and the wooden part was broken into three pieces. The holes
through which the ribbon is put to tie them together were quite burnt out and
the ribbon found in the seat without the least damage or so much as the knot
unloosened.
Her shoe was burnt and rent from toe to buckle, Gut the buckle which rivets of
silver remained unhurt. Her stocking was burnt and rent in the foot, just in the
same manner as her shoe and scorched along to the garter and two little holes
were burnt through in the leg of it. Her apron, petticoats etc. were burnt
through and through and she had received slight burns on her body, besides two
bruises on her head and breast caused by rubbish which fell into the seat.
As she was carried out of the Church, she greatly complained of a deadness in her
legs, which, as she could not move them at all, I supposed was broke. However,
they was not broke, only a little burnt and turned black as ink; which by timely
care, not only came to their natural colour by Tuesday noon, but could support her
also to come downstairs, and excepting a hurry of spirits, grew quite well that
week.
Not more than ten persons out of the congregation were hurt and none of them
to any great degree. One young fellow was more frightened than hurt and
remained ill a long time, but I believe he is quite well now. The lightning
touched the watch in his pocket, the marks of which may be seen on the crystal
and silver parts to this day. Nobody remembers to have heard any more thunder or
seen any more lightning after this though the weather continued very stormy all
day.
So that the thunder storm, from beginning to end, could last but a very short
time. The damage we suffer by it, (which is now repairing, will amount to about
£450).
Thus, sir, I have given you a particular account of the dreadful accident, by
which a great number of people, had it not been for the favourable, I may say,
miraculous interposition of Providence must inevitably have perished. It must
really incite to our wonder to consider that not only was not one life lost, but
that no person was hurt to such a degree as to confine him for more than two or
three days. I remember to have seen an observation of yours, "How deplorable
would be the consequence of such blasts of lightning, if they happened where
there are large congregations, in the time of Divine Service." Here you see, Sir,
they happened under the very circumstances in which you then thought they must
prove fatal. But Providence has let us know in this remarkable case, let the
danger be ever great,and seemingly, to us, unavoidable, yet He is willing, as
well as able, to save us.
I am, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Anthony Williams.
In tbe parish records of 1772, there is a reference to one of the village
'characters' of the time - Dolly James. The site of where her house once stood,
at the point where the St. Keverne to Helston road crosses the one from Coverack
to Lanarth, is still known today as Dolly's Cross.
One of the Miss Diggens' writes:
Dolly's Cross takes its name from Dolly (Dorothy) James who had a house at
the cross roads and was want to attend the Falmouth Market with butter, eggs,
etc. for sale.
One night having quitted the boat at Coverack she was nearing her home when
the owls uttered their cry, "Whoo, Whoo." Dolly, thinking they were human
beings, answered, "It's me." "Whoo," cried the owls again, and Dolly replied
more explicitly, "It's me. Dolly James coming from market."
Footnote: (J.N.) Since this story of Dolly James is told in the records of 1772,
are we to assume that Dolly was perhaps then in her late eighties, and was one
and the same with the Dolly James, who coming back from Falmouth in 1704, was a
companion to John Sandys on his incredible voyage to France. Miss Diggens
stated she was!
William Jenkins was born in St. Keverne in 1757, he was one of the congregation
of the Church in 1770, when it was struck by lightening. Later in his life he
went to sea and encountered a great storm - his escape from drowning made such
an inpact on him that he became a Methodist local preacher. In 1798, he was
appointed as a missionary to Christopheris, in the West Indies. He sailed from
Bristol, en route to Cork, where once again he survived a shipwreck, this is his
own account:
"The scene was terrific, and death seemed painted before us in a variety of
shapes and colours. A most tremendous sea followed...... a horrible cliff was
before us, and sharp pointed rocks in all directions along the coast seemed to
cut off all hopes of life and preservation. It was about sunset when we
approached the shore. There was a very heavy rain, without change of wind, and
we then discovered multitudes of people running down towards the sea with a
design (it afterwards appeared) to plunder the ship. We were at some distance
from the shore and the vessel struck several times...... As soon as she received
the first shock, the passengers below forgot their sickness and prepared to come
up on deck, while one wave threw us against a large rock where the ship rested
for a time.
As there was every reason to expect that the next sea would carry off everything
on deck, I went up into the main shrouds. The master advised me to come down.
I took his advice...... By this time, a most tremendous wave approached, I saw it
and called to my companions to lay fast hold on something...... otherwise they
would be washed overboard...... The same wave lifted the ship over the rock,
against which she lay, and threw her farther towards the land; at the same time it
brake in the deadlights whereby a great quantity of water entered the vessel and
our trunks were carried out of the ship through the breach and were driven on
shore, where we saw the people breaking them open and plundering our
property. The ship lay on her side, heeling towards the land; and as the tide was
flowing the waves lifted her still higher - which gave us hope, that if we could
continue until high water, we might be saved. But the cold affected us so much
that it seemed impossible to endure it very long, which led me to make an effort
to reach the shore. With this intention I began to disencumber myself of the
burden of some of my clothes, hoping that a broken fragment of the vessel would
carry me across the water. But observing the people quarrelling and fighting
about their plunder, I concluded they would murder me, if it should be in my
power to escape the violence of the sea. I accordingly took my station to
windward of the quarter deck, beside the Minister's single sister (Miss Grant)
who, like myself, placed her feet against the companion, and held the end of the
mainsail in our hands to prevent being washed away by the breakers. After some
time, the tide began to ebb and water receded from the ship, when the plunderers
rushed aboard and began to cut the rigging.
Footnote: William Jenkins and others reached the shore on the Head of Kinsale
(S. Ireland) and soon after this the Militia arrived to protect them and their
property.
Petition for a Customs and Excise Boat at Coverack,
from Isaac Head, dated 29 October 1803.
First: I observe that this Port independently of the Harbour of Helford,
contains within its limits five Coves or Creeks, viz: Porthoutstock, Porthallow
and Coverack in the parish of St. Keverne, Cadgwith in the parish of Landewednack
and that no Revenue officer resides in either of the Coves aforesaid.
Secondly: That in each of the said Coves an illicit trade for Spirits, Tea,
Tobacco, Snuff, Salt and etc. is carried on to an extent almost beyond conception
to the great detriment of the Revenue.
Thirdly: That on examining the Books in this Office, I find that previously
to the year 1799, a Preventive Officer resides at each of the said Coves of
Cadgwith and Coverack, but that since that Period, no Officer has been appointed
to those Situations.
Fourthly: That since the death of the Officers who were stationed at the Coves
above mentioned the smuggling trade has rapidly increased and is still increasing
notwithstanding the vigilence and activity of the Officer of the Revenue to
prevent it. ·
Fifthly: That the King's Boat belonging to this port has been lying useless on the
Beach in the River of Helford eversince the removal of Mr. Richard Thomas the
Sitter and the Boatman to Falmouth by an Order from your Honours dated 16
September 1801 and that the said boat owing to her age and the little care which
has been taken of her is totally incapable of being repaired so as to be useful
in any way.
Sixthly: That a good boat to row and sail, properly equipped and manned would,
in conjunction with the Preventive Of icers at the Coves aforesaid, operate
greatly in preventing smuggling from being carried on to the enormous eXtent at
which it is now effected.
Seventhly: That in consequence of not having a boat as above in this port it
frequently happens that Vessels lie in the harbour for great length of time
before any Officer of the Customs can board them by which means an opportunity is
afforded to smuggle any contraband goods which may be on board without the
possibility of the Revenue Officers preventing it and that whenever it is
necessary to board.any vessel in the Harbour, a Boat must be hired for that
purpose at any Rate and at any time which the Owner thereof may think proper and
moreover that no Boat is to be had at all within two miles of the place where the
Vessels trading to this Port usually discharge their Cargoes.
Eighthly: That vessels frequently discharge Coals at the Coves of Coverack and
Cadgwith both for the inhabitants of those Coves and also for that of the
Lighthouse on the Lizard Point. That Coverack is distant six miles and
Cadgwith ten miles from Helford where a Coal meter usually resided, that there
is no regularly appointed Coal Meter in this Port and that Samual Penhall and
John Trethowan, Tidesmen, appear to be the only inferior Officers belonging to
this Port.
I remain w;th the greatest respect, your Honours Obliged and Obedient
humble servant.
As can be seen smuggling provided a welcome income to many of our villagers, from
the following examples collected from A.S. Oates, 'Around Helston in the Old
Days', A.K. Hamilton-Jenkin's 'Cornwall and Its People' and Jill Newton's "The Lizard".
Most of the smugglers were small bands of men, who knew their own stretch of
coast, and by a system of signals from helpers on shore, knew when it was safe to
land their goods. It has been said that the mainly God-fearing and Church-going
inhabitants of the Lizard believed It is no sin to cheat the Government.' The
Three Tuns in St. Keverne, originally An Try Baler (in Cornish), is said to have
taken its name from the three kegs of brandy found in the Vicar's possession in
1467.
In 1748, a Customs Officer at Penzance complained that the crew of 8 St.
Keverne boat had swarn bitterly at his officers as they approached and had
attempted to 'knock out their brains with a boat hook,' they also threw large
stones at the Officers from the ballast. The smugglers believed they had every
right to defend their cargo after all, they had prospective customers for their
goods, and having given their word on a delivery they were anxious not to let
their customers down. In 1762, 218 ankers of brandy were landed by P'roustock
men in one night. .
One of the noted smugglers from Coverack was John Carlyon. His trading
started when he accepted a 'dare' to take his fifteen foot boat across to Roscoff.
Thereafter he regularly edged his little craft out of the harbour bound for
Roscoff on a three day round trip in fair weather. If the coast was clear, on the
third day, his wife hung a red shirt on the line to dry, if not, then the line
remained empty. This signal was also understood by the neighbouring farmers
and fishermen. So when the evening came, and John sailed into the darkened
harbour his customers were already there to quickly and quietly dispose of the
cargo. From this small beginning, John Carlyon's trade grew, until he owned a
lugger and expanded his trade into Spanish ports.
The 'Love' from Covesack loaded 125 ankers of brandy at Roscoff, and within
the week, she was back in the same port loading more. A.S. Oates wrote that
"Coverack fishermen and longshoremen used to affirm that on winter nights
easterly gales were heralded by a spectral craft, which they said was the old
lugger 'Love ' which sailed shoreward manned by a ghostly crew. In response to
a fiery signal from Goonhilly kegs of brandy were landed on the beach, and
disappeared into the face of the cliff. The 'Love' and her crew then faded into
the night, and the sea began to heave and moan!"
On l8th September 1840, the Custom House at Helford was attacked by a band
of men consisting, it is supposed, of upwards of 30 persons, who broke open the
heavy doors and strong locks, and robbed the cellars of 126 kegs of contraband
brandy (each keg containing four and a half gallons of spirit) which had heen
seized some days before at Coverack.' Once again, the Smugglers obviously had
customers they didn't want to disappoint - they weren't without humour
however, and left three kegs for the benefit of the Customs Officers.
Notes taken from extracts in the Church Accounts Books,
made by the Misses Diggens C.1900.
The Church in bygone days was the centre round which all interests were
focussed.
In the vestry most meetings were held, at the Church door the poor received their
doles. At the Church stile misdemeanants were placed in the stocks, as a warning
to others. Between 60 and 70 years ago a boy was placed there (1830/1840).
If Zackary James had a cow and calf for sale or Triphema John a donkey, the
fact was advertised just after the morning service on Sundays, to the outgoing
congregation. It was the clerk's duty to perform the task at the Church door. He
would cry "Oh Yes! Oh Yes!" and then would follow the various items for sale
One old clerk was unable to read and was want to be prompted by his nephew,
who was not above playing a prank of transporting the words. Thus the villagers
were treated to the news that there were potatoes for sale at the door and a
horse in the ground.
From the old records we gather that there was a full choir accompanied by
instrumental music. At a Vestry held in May 1810, it was agreed that "such
instruments and books that may be deemed necessary for Church services shall
in future be provided at the direction of the Church Wardens." It was also
decided that the 'sum of five guineas shall be annually allowed by the Church
Rate to defray the cost of a dinner for the singers.'
Again in 1822 we find R. Pearce, applying for a Bassoon and two Clarionettes for
the singers - 'Resolved that the o1d instruments be examined and if they are not
good, new ones be provided.' And on May 3rd 1824, we have 'William Nicholls
request to have a bassoon in lieu of one of his which he has worn out in the use
of the singers. Allowed.'
Footnote: The long history of music, both choral and instrumental, in the
Church was the foundation for the fine village choirs and band, which we now
possess.
Extracts from many notes on three wrecks, together with information
from Church records, letters etc., which occurred in the first part of
the l9th century, by Miss Diggens.
DISPATCH.
This wreck occurred when Britain was carrying out her determination to strike a
bold stroke for the rescue of Europe. Wellesley and Moore were struggling with
BUONAPARTE in Spain, winning and losing alternatively, but eventually
compelled to retire on Corunna. After a long and arduous march accompanied
by privations unsurpassed in history, our soldiers awaited the ships which were
to convey them home. The transport 'Dispatch' was in the harbour, and part of
the 7th Dragoons embarked. They had lost many men, numbers of horses, wotn
out and fallen by the way, had been mercifully shot. The company itself waS
overcome by fatigue and semi-starvation - the enemy, in hot pursuit was
gathering its forces about Corunna, the fleet, which should have been these, was
absent. Anxiety for Sir John Moore and their cornered fellow warriors, added
distress to a dishearted band and there was nothing to relieve their depression
excepting the fact that they were going home. They started on the l4th January,
two days before Sir John Moore had laid down his life for his country. 'The
weather at the time was bitterly cold and rough but the Bay of Biscay was passed
in safety and the Lizard was rounded on the night of the 2lst. What happened
later was described in the Church Register.
January 22nd 1809. "On Sunday morning about half past three o'clock the
'Dispatch' transport (George Fenwick, Master) having three Officers and
seventy men of the 7th Dragoons (on her way from Corunna in Spain), was
driven on the rocks, near Coverack, and all on board perished - except seven
private Dragoons. The three unfortunate Officers who had survived a disastrous
campaign to perish on the English Shore, were Major Cavendish, Captain
Duckinfield and Lieutenant Waldegrave."
An Act had been passed the previous year which required that the bodies of
those cast up by the sea, should be buried in the parish graveyards and not on
the cliffs, as hitherto. But the Act was unnecessary in the case of St. Keverne,
for many records in previous centuries tell how Churchtown men bore shipwrecked
bodies to St. Keverne, where they had a Christian burial.
PRIMROSE.
As recorded in the Registers, it was half past three o'clock when the 'Dispatch'
was driven ashore, and hour and a half later, on the same Manacles, another ship.
was foundering, and one hundred Offcers, men and six passengers on His
Majesty's Brig o'War 'Primrose' were grappling with the waves. It was an awful
contest which could have but one result, and despite the fact that the brave
fishermen of the parish went out to their rescue, only one boy, John Meaghan,
emerged from it alive.
The wreck of the 'Primrose' is recorded beneath the wreck of the 'Dispatch' and
the following lines complete the entry on that terrible Sunday morning of
January 22nd 1809. "On the same morning about 5 o'clock, the brig o'war
'Primrose' (James Mein Esq. Commander) was wrecked on the Manacle Rocks.
Her compliment of Officers and men consisted of 120 besides six passengers,
only one poor lad was preserved from the dreadful catastrophe. From these
wrecks were buried in the Churchyard of this parish, 104 bodies between
January 24th and April 2nd."
In other documents we are glad to read that the bravery of Porthoustock
fishermen is highly praised, the Government recognising their self denying
efforts and granted each helper a handsome gratuity on this sad occasion.
JOHN.
The wreck of the John occurred in May 1855, it was an emigrant ship bound for
Canada, full of poor families, eager to try and build themselves a new life in a
new country. It was fine weather, a N.N.W. wind filled her sails, the moon was
one day past her full, the emigrants were hopeful, everything indicated a
pleasant voyage. Without any warning she struck on one of the eastern rocks of
the outer Manacles, she beat over this, and then received another impact from a
rock nearer the shore. She began to ill with water, but all that the Captain did
in this terrible crisis was to assure his charges that there was no danger.
However when the boats arrived from the shore, the Captain and crew were ready to
step into them with their bags, and every seaman was saved, while women and
children and the other men cried in vain for help.
On old Porthoustock inhabitant says, "The shore was a sight never to be
forgotten. One hundred children had sailed in the 'John' and side by side in a
long row numbers of these little ones were laid awaiting identification. Parents,
too, were there, sisters, brothers, - struggling, hard-working men and women.
Such men were fitted to build up our colonies and Canada had need of them, but
the negligence of one man intervened, the unreclaimed land remains untilled and
the would-be labourers were borne to St. Keverne Churchyard."
James Hill (after to be Coxswain of the first Pouthoustock lifeboat) another
witness, tells a story of indomitable perserverance and unostentatious bravery,
he says, "I went to Porthoustock, half-dressed and got two boats out....
Finding we could not clear the point we returned, and all got out except two men
and myself. We started again on our way out, we met the other boat returning,
and were told it was impossible to reach the wreck. An hour after we launched
the boats again, and succeeded in reaching the wreck. We took one man from a
boat, which was floating, and we also took one woman and nine men from a raft,
and landed them at Tom's cove...... whence they were handed up over the cliffs,
by some of the neighbours and coastguards. We made three other trips to the
wreck, and saved about fifty lives in all. Our crew consisted of myself, my son
James, William Matthews, Thomas Pearce, Henry Tripconey and James
Connor, a coastguard."
Footnote:193 men, women and children died. The Captain was found guilty of
manslaughter and received a prison sentence.
Both the Misses Diggens and Frank Curnow have been fascinated with
another village 'character,' mentioned in the parish records.
A curious entry in 1821 records the fact that Reuben Welch wants a peep show
which will cost £2.7s.l Od. - which was granted. Later he asked for a set of
glasses for his peep show - a request which was also granted.
Then he asked for a pair of shoes and work, both of these were refused. His next
request was for a donkey, which it was resolved he should have. Sam Halliggy
being ordered to supply the same or have his pay stopped. Apparently the
arrangement didn't work out for a fortnight later, Reuben wanted an ass to carry
coal. He was evidently not shy in stating his requirements. Other entries record
his desire to have his sleeves cut short money to buy a pair of shoes,
two shillings a week for his child, shoes to be mended, work, a reap book
something towards buying a spring balance shoes for his daughter,money to buy
goods and barm, money to buy an ass. It is needless to say that several of
these applications were refused.
Footnote: James Roberts of Constantine, writing in the 1920's towards the end
of a long life,mentions Reuben Welch a character from St. Keverne, who once
played the part of the Mock Mayor in Constantine's Feast Day activities for the
sum of seven shillings and sixpence. A.K. Hamilton Jenkin, quoting James
Roberts, in his book, Cornwall and Its People' said: "At Constantine
(pronounced Costneton) a mock mayor was formerly elected on the Wednesday
following the parish feast. The preceding days having been given over to revelry,
shortage of money commonly provided the necessary inducement to accept the
office, which a fee of about 7s.6d. was attached. The mayor was adorned with
a hat, and having taken his place in a cart was dragged through the village by
other revellers who like himself, had generally been we1l plied with liquor. Not
infrequently the mayor was accompanied by a deputy mayor, whose duty it was
to steady the chief official on his feet. Halts were made at various places, where
the mayor stood up in the cart and delivered a homily in accordance with the
promptings of the leading spirits. If there had been any scandal in the village
during the year a halt would be made at the house of the chief actor or actors and
advice given as to their future conduct." At the end of his day's reign, the mayor
was unceremoniously deposed, by being tipped into a stream, rubbish tip or
village pond. Such ceremonies were once common throughout Cornwall, and in
other Celtic communities.
For centuries, small, and often open, boats have been making the Atlantic crossing
for fishing and trading purposes, most of their journeys forgotten and unrecorded.
Only some 30 years after the discovery of the continent of America small west
country fishing boats were fishing off the coast of Newfoundland, and in 1626
fishermen from St. Keverne had joined others from St. Mawes, Penzance, St. Ives
and Padstow in fishing the waters of 'North America, an 'adventure' which meant
two summers and a winter of separation from home and countless hardships and
dangers. Bearing this in mind, the following account is less incredible, the
story was collected and written by one of Canon Diggens' researchers, and is
dated 1908.
'In the house in Coverack now occupied by Mr. Sincock, a man named Harris
was born. In early life, he began a small but enterprising trade with America,
and crossed over in his small boat fifteen or sixteen times, taking with him
knives and various sorts of cutlery.
Once he arrived with a cargo of lanterns, much to the delight of the natives. No
money transactions passed between them, simply an exchange of goods - they
would bring various kinds of skins in return for Harris's wares.
He is spoken of as 'eccentric but upright, honourable man' as may be proved
from the following incident.
Once, when in London he went to an exhibition, in which several North
American Indians were doing a War Dance. He was interested in watching it,
when suddenly one of their number recognised him and shouted for joy, calling
him by the name they had for him amongst themselves. All eyes were turned on
him - some thought it was part of the performance. So great was the excitement
among the natives at seeing their old friend that the Stage Manager thought it
wise to ask him to come down and make a speech. He was particularly good at
speech-making, so raised no objection.
Before he began, however, he was lifted off his feet and embraced in proper
American Indian fashion. In addressing the audience he told them how it was he
became acquainted with these savage looking people, and he accounted for their
fondness for him by saying that in all his dealing with them, he had never driven
a hard bargain.
Harris owned the property of Trevalsoe, also that of Chynales. He is buried in St.
Keverne Churchyard.'
Footnote: The writer of the above article ended by saying that 'the following
inscription is on his tomb-stone' and unfortunately ommitted to include it. The
man was perhaps, James Hartis of Chenhale who died on the 6th November,
1829, although quite a thorough search of the Churchyard, has, as yet, failed to
reveal a tombstone!
Notes from the Parochial Records, researched by the Misses Diggens,
and relating to the poverty in the village.
A century before the battle of Waterloo, the St. Keverne labourers seemed to
have lived on the brink of starvation - despite the fact that very often the
father, mother and children worked for wages. Every kind of food was dear in
those days and dress was expensive. The wages for an agricultural worker was a
few shillings a week, whilst that of his wife was usually sixpence for a day of
ten hours. Boys and girls perhaps earned threepence a day.
The price of wheat made it, in such cases, unprocurable- what bread they ate was
made of barley. Bread and scald milk constituted their breakfast. For dinner,
pilchards and potatoes at home, or a pasty with turnips, potatoes and fat bacon
when out at work, furnished their chief meal of the day. For supper, barley bread
and scald milk appeased their hunger.
Water mills, such as the one of the north shore of Coverack, ground the grain the
farmers sent. How hard the labourers had to work may be shown by the
following: 'William Mildren lived at Lanarth Gate. He went to Tear Waste to
work, wheeled three hundred barrows of manure (a day's work). Then he took a
bag, walked to Penryn via Helford, bought half a bushel of barley, brought it
home on his back, got it ground at Tregournal (Tregonwell) Mill, waited to get it
ground. Brought it home on his back - all in one day.' Sadly the date is not
given on this note.
The Vestry meetings were in reality a small parliament endowed with the power
to levy rates for making and upkeeping the roads, the relief of the poor, the
punishment of offenders and the regulation of district matters in general. In
times of great hardship sums of money were paid to fishermen unable to work
because of bad weather, or to provide crab pots to replace ones lost, for food,
rent, clothes and medicine, as the following sad account in the Parish Account
book for 1767 shows us:
To Leonard Collins' Family sick with smallpox. . . . . 6 shillings
To Leonard Collins' Coffins for his 3 children. . . . 18 shillings
A woman watching with his children for 4 weeks. . . . 12 shillings
Shrouding of the 3 children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 shillings
The liquour at the funerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 shillings
Wool for setting them forth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 shillings
Parson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 3 shillings
Sexton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 shilling & sixpence
On looking at the Register of Burials for 1767, we read that Margaret Collins
died on the 24th September, and Richard and Ann Collins died on October 2nd.
Furze at that time was used to make fires and turf from Goonhilly downs - there
was no coal. Many entries in the Account books show how Goonhilly was
robbed of all that made it fertile. Hundreds of loads of turf and furze being cut
yearly. Fire making was then a tedious business of striking a flint and steel and
the igniting of timber took up a considerable amount of time.
St. Keverne still boasts a fine Male Voice Choir, but its most famous singer,
Charles Incledon, was born in the village, over 200 years ago. Frank Curnow,
wrote the following about him, in 1970.
"Cornwall is a land of choirs and music, St. Keverne in particular". This is one
of the remarks made by Dudley Savage when he introduced "Songs of Praise"
televised from our Methodist Church in November 1968. This remark would
have also been very appropriate had it been made two hundred years earlier.
For, at that time, one of our greatest ballad singers was still a young boy at St.
Keverne.
Built into the wall near the doorway at the back of the White Hart Hotel is a
stone bearing the name of the'Incledons' and the date. It was in this house that
Charles Incledon was born in the year l764 and, seven years later he had become
a junior member of the choir of the Parish Church. Whilst in that choir, he
attracted the attention of a Canon of Exeter Cathedral, who was instrumental in
getting him placed with Jackson, the great composer of the Te Deum setting. At
this time, Charles had also become a member of the cathedral choir at Exeter.
The effect of Jackson's teaching, and the quality of Charles' singing can be
imagined by the following incident. When the Assizes were being held in Exeter,
the judge attended the service in the Cathedral, and Incledon sang "Let my
complaint come before Thee". The boy so impressed the judge that he was seen
to shed tears. He also gave Charles - five guineas.
When Incledon's voice broke, he joined the navy and was much in demand for
entertaining naval personnel on most of the larger ships. He had his first
baptism of fire in 1782, at the age of eighteen, when he took part in a naval
engagement with the French.
On leaving the navy, he joined a theatrical company and it was at Southampton
that he made his first public appearance. At that time, Ranzzina was director of
musical entertainment at Bath. Incledon was brought to his attention with the
result that the Italian instructed Charles and set him on his career as an
accomplished singer. From Bath he went to Covent Garden at a weekly wage of
eight pounds. He eventually left, but after a break of two years, was re-engaged
at a salary of seventeen pounds per week for five years. Thereafter, he obtained
engagements in many theatres throughout the country, and in 18l7, he went to
America where he gained great popularity. His last London appearance was at
Drury Lane in 1820. He ended his public career in October 1824, at
Southampton where he had made his debut forty years previously.
Incledon had a powerful voice with a natural range from A to G. He has spent his
boyhood near the sea and had seen it in all its moods. This influence remained
with him all his life and it was said "when he sang the spirit of the sea hovered
over his audience." He died at Worcester on February 4th,1826 and was buried
at Highgate, styled by King George III as the 'British National Singer.'
In 1704, John Sandys of Lanarth and some other Coverack villagers were crossing
Falmouth Bay, in his seine boat, when a terrific storm blew up. Two days later,
land was sighted, it was Brittany.At this time England was at War with France,
but these Cornishmen were helped by their Breton cousins. After his adventures
and return to St. Keverne, John Sandy's wrote an account of 'God's Wonderful
Deliverance' and this was published in 1798 by T. Flindell, Stannary Press,
Helston. Here is an extract:
"As we came nearer to the Wrah, we found the wind still more bare, and
increasing; so that we thought it advisable to strike our sail (it being very
dark at times) and stand to our oars; which we did. But some of our men
(Odger and Cozby) not being well recovered of their former night's drunkenness,
and indeed none of them being very handy (besides Henry Banfield) with an oar,
in bad weather, (being country men) we were soon carried off in the sea......
"The day was almost gone by the time we came on shore; notwithstanding which
we were thronged by the inhabitants. However, we were by his (Francois
Lemarque's) father, self and brother, who all lived there, safely conducted to a
tavern, where care was taken for my people, during our abode there; but Captain
Dubois (Francois Lemarque), carried and kept me with him at his own house,
every person being at liberty.....
"The day after, being Wednesday the 29th October,1704 I gladly got, and was
as gladly received, at Lanarth, in St. Keverne my own habitation, not knowing
the want of money in all my travels. All which was the occasion of a very good
sermon, soon after, preached by Mr. Robert Woodford, our present incumbent,
on the l8th and part of the l9th verses of the 38th Chapter of Isaiah. The clerk;
John Chefer, sung part of the second part (from the l8th verse) and the third
part of the 107th Psalm."
Footnote: Several years later, John Sandys recorded that he received
information that his friend, Captain Dubois, otherwise known as Francois
Lemarque, had been taken a prisoner-of war and was imprisoned in Plymouth.
He rode straight away there, and soon obtained his friend's release.
Journeys to Falmouth were made on foot by way of the Helford passage, or by
sea. Not so lucky as Mr. Sandy and his companions were Henry Trewennack,
Edward Hill and Henry Roberts. In the Church Register for 1770 we read,
"These three were drowned coming back from Falmouth to Coverack in a boat,
l5th of March, about 7 o'clock at night. Buried March l7th."
Rev. Polwhele was at one time Vicar of neighbouring Manaccan.
He was a Historian and wrote amongst other things a 'History of Cornwall.'
He wrote about longevity in the St. Keverne area - the ages are even more impressive
when you consider the life expectancy for a miner, at this time, was about 35 years!
"In St. Martin's are now living several very old people, particularly a man of
the name of Roberts, who was born in St. Keverne in the beginning of the
year 1717.
He was hither on the 10th June 1805, to lay a complaint before me as a
Magistrate, and told me his tale so well, that on hearing his age, I was
surprised and for a while incredulous. That St. Keverne is not more remarkable
for the fruitfulness of the soil, than for the long lives of its cultivation."
John Roberts - Roskilly Gate 107
John Cullen - Tregarn 101
John Nicholls - Trenance 97
Ann Warren - Namboll 97
At 94, she walked from Namboll to
Rosenithon, 5 miles, one afternoon.
She was hearty at the time of her death.
Jacob Bryant - Roscorlath 94
Mary Jago - Churchtown 93
Relative of the Rev. Mr. Jago
John Harris - Chinhall 82
Sampson Sandys - Lanarth 82
Late Rector of Landewednack and Ruan Major
John Lobb - Tregarn 81
The following were living in St. Keverne, February lst 1805;
Jane Harris - Trelan 95
Mary Huthnance - Traboe 91
Mary Milren - Churchtown 91
Elizabeth James - Cowisack 90
Eleanor Tripconey - Chiventon 90
Eleanor Hoskin - Churchtown 89
She was Aunt of Mrs. Gilbert of the Priory, Bodmin, a lady whose towering size
of intellect has almost made me a convert to the Godwinean doctrine of the
equality of the Sexes.
Jane Jenkin - Porthoustock 89
In 1804, I had some conversation with this old lady, who was lively and alert and
appeared not to have one complaint, I conversed with her respecting the year
1745, she said it was the most calamitous period Old England ever knew.
Mary Wood - Churchtown 93
Thomas Odgers - Chywednack 93
James Kevern - Long Meadow Lane 92
Ann Hawke - Chivrane 92
Ann Williams - Tregarn 90
Thomas James - Trelan-vean 90
Richard Milren - Chivrane 89
Walter Nicholls - Poorhouse 88
Judath Nicholls - Church town 88
Daughter of the Rev. Jago and relative of Rev.Mr Walters,Maryston,Devon
Wilmot George - Trevallack 87
Hannah Lawrence - Treskewes 86
Mary Hoskin - Churchtown 86
Aunt of Mrs. Gilben of the Priory, Bodmin
Robert Richards - Rosenithon 85
Philip Williams - Tredenick 85
John Hocking - Tregaminion 84
Mary Roberts - Gilly 84
Joan Nicholls - Lesneague 84
John Nicholls - Trenithon 84
William Nicholls - Lesneage 83
Henry James - Cover 83
Elizabeth Incledon - Treloyan 87
Thomas Francis - Poor House 86
Francis Johns - Ladenvean 85
William Polter - Grougath 85
Aaron Manin - Porth vean 85
Mary Williams - Trenance 84
Elizabeth Pentecost - North Corner 84
William Maliken - Trevalsoe 84
Elizabeth Giles - Trelan vean 84
John Gilbert - Poor house 84
Constance Lobb - Halwyn 83
Elizabeth Jenkin - Porthoustock 82
Elizabeth Maliken - Poor house 82
William Pearce - Trenoweth 81
Margaret Rule - Arrowan 81
Ann Richards - Poor house 81
Mary Davies - Lanarth 80
Margaret Nicholls - Church town 80
Richard Cuttance - Porthoustock 80
and 44 more persons between 70 and 88
According to Canon Diggens' Notes there were:
In 1801 440 inhabited houses and 31 un-inhabitated houses and by 1811
453 inhabited houses and 27 un-inhabitated houses.
The population increased and declined in the l9th century as follows:
1801- 2,104 persons; 1811- 2 242 persons; 1821- 2,505 persons;
1831- 2,437 persons; 1841- 2,469 persons; 1851- 2,237 persons;
1861- 1,892 persons; 1871- 1,841 persons; 1881- 1,812 persons;
1891- 1,674 persons.
In the first twenty years of the century the population increased by
about 400 people, but then declined by 800.
Extract of a letter by Mr William Lory of Treleague,St Keverne
to Col Maberley Secretary, Post Office and dated 18 July 1842.
It gives some idea of the population of the Meneage area at that time.
"Meneage" is the first agricultural district of the county comp rising twelve
parishes, producing by estimation a rental of forty thousand pounds per annum,
containing nearly nine thousand inhabitants , thirty five shops,
thirty public houses, extensive pilchard fishery carried on in nine coves and
a considerable trade in timber and coal.
There are also four coastguard stations, and a customs house, where I believe
an additional man is employed to attend to the Post Of ice, or a sum allowed for
that purpose. The inhabitants of this important district, experience the greatest
inconvenience, injury and loss in consequence of there being no established mode
for the conveyance of their correspondence either through the district, or to
the Post Town, which is more than ten miles from some of the parishes.
Letters are lost and delayed or returned to the Dead Letter office.
We have not the advantage of reading the Daily Newspapers and suffer delay and
loss in the receipt of weekly ones...... the only way we have of
receiving or forwarding our letters, unless we send on purpose, is by the
kindness of our neighbours happening to go to Helston or Falmouth on business."
The letter then sets out various proposals for setting up a postal service and
gives as follows, the distance of each Church on the Lizard from Helston
together with the number of inhabitants.
Mawgan 4 miles 1150 inhabitants
St. Martin 6 miles 615 inhabitants
Manaccan 9 miles 640 inhabitants
St. Anthony 11 miles 370 inhabitants
St. Keverne 11 miles 2620 inhabitants
Ruan Major 8 1/2 miles 200 inhabitants
Ruan Minor 10 miles 355 inhabitants
Grade 10 miles 400 inhabitants
Landewednack 10 1/2 miles 490 inhabitants
Mullion 7 miles 1010 inhabitants
Cury 6 miles 580 inhabitant
Gunwalloe 4 miles 310 inhabitants
On the 25th March,1844, Mr. Lory sent a copy of his letter to Colonel Maberley,
together with another letter to Mr. Richard Pearce Merchant, of St. Keverne
extracts read:
"Since I wrote to you on this interesting subject, I have made further enquiry
and it is advised to get a petition drawn up and signed by a few respectable
inhabitants of each parish. If therefore you or Dr. Stevens, feel disposed to
get it done, I will get an MP. to present it to the Post Master General and as
his department is making improvements in various parts of the Kingdom, I have no
doubt it will meet with success."
In due course a postal delivery service was named elderly villager gave the
following;
In due course a postal delivery service was introduced to the village, and an un-
named elderly villager gave the following account to Miss Diggens:
"When the Post Office was first established, there were two men for to carry the
post from here to Helston. One would leave here the middle of the day, and stop
at Helston all night, and leave there the next morning for St. Keverne and arrive
here the middle of the day - then he would be free till the middle of the next
day.
The first man, James Tripp, that started from here with the letters for Helston
for the first time. The next time he came back without the bag or letters. Mr.
Pearce asked him, "Where is the bag and letters?" He said, "I left them in
Helston, for they are calling me Jacky Pickens and I won't carry it any more."
Footnote: Jacky Pickens was an old man that used to come out here posting bills
(W.A.D.)
The Church spire was built about 1450 of granite ashlar, 21 feet square, of two
stages 60 feet in height: battlemente and showing the bases of the four angle
pinnacles of the original design. These four pinnacles were probably destroyed
when the tower was struck by lightening in 1770. This led to the re-building of
the well proportioned, octagonal ribbed spire, 38 feet high, which has been a
landmark and a guide to ships for many generations. The Church spire was in the
news again in 1850.
This account was dictated to one of Canon Diggens' helpers,
by Mr. John Matthew.
The Vane on the top of the Church was first mentioned in 1724 and is as follows:
Paid J. Curtis for ye Vane on ye Spire £1.14s.0d.
Paid Richard Boulden for guilding ye vane on ye spire £1.9s.0d.
"Mr. John Matthew said when he was a boy he had heard people say that three
men had stood on top of the top stones of the steeple and that he had then
thought it impossible. But after he had been to sea for a few years and returned
home, it so happened that the spike of the vane rusted off and fell down. A
mason named Jimmy Rule, undertook to put it up and when everything was
ready for fixing asked the young sailor to assist him, as he could get no-one else.
They went up the tower together, melted the lead, and Matthew climbed the
ladder to the top stone and with a rope pulled up the spindle and put it in the
hole prepared for it. He then pulled up the melted lead, poured it in and fixed
the spike. He then mounted the top stone and pulled up the vane and with the
assistance of Jimmy Rule, put it in its place.
Then Rule and he drunk a bottle of ale and christened it. When they had finished,
another young man joined them, and each turned round the vane.
Jimmy Rule, Jacob Lawry and John Matthew,1850."
Footnote: The Church spire remains an important landmark today and the
Church Spire Appeal has received several donations from seamen who still use
it.
From a letter by Mr. Ralph Clayton, former headmaster St. Keverne school.
St. Keverne's Ancient Cross, a link with the past.
"At the southern end of the White Hart Inn, now known as Donegal House, the
present residence of Miss Letty Plomer, restoration of the old cottage was going
on for Mr. Nicholls, during, or before the year 1870. Mr. Nicholls, was surprised
to find that the cravel or headstone of the fireplace, was an old Cornish Cross,
of the wheel pattern and about five feet in height.
This cross had been used as the cravel, above the kitchen range, ever since a
previous restoration of the cottage, many years before 1870. St. Keverne was
then, strongly non-Conformist.
The Curate of St. Keverne parish was the Rev. H.C. Lambart, with strong High
Church sympathies, and he spoke at one or more meetings held in the old
Church schoolroom, still known as the lower school-room. Letters appeared in
the "West Briton" about this time,1870, and a fierce controversy followed. The
Curate in Charge was unpopular. The Cross was erected again in St. Keverne
Square, somewhere, where there is now a stone trough, for animals to drink.
After a short time, the Cross was removed to the yard behind the White Hart
Inn. There it stood for a little while, leaning against the wall of the yard, and
as, apparently it was not wanted by the majority of St. Keverne people, the Cross
was sold for £ I to the Squire of Lanarth. Shortly afterwards, a farmer's wagon,
with a quantity of straw laid on the wagon, the ancient cross was laid on the
waggon and soon to be carried off to Penryn Railway station, and thence to be
forwarded to Scorrier House, which was also owned by Mr. John Williams, who
also owned Lanarth, St. Keverne, and several farms in the St. Keverne parish.
Over 30 years after the removal of the Cross to Scorrier, now the residence of Mr.
Percy Williams, the present Master of the Four-barrow Hounds, efforts were
made, and a number of letters written to find out the then residence of the
aforesaid, Rev. H.C. Lambart, but without success. The address of H.C.
Lambart's sisters in North Wales was written to and at the time, the writer
received a quantity of leaflets, warning the St. Keverne writer, to beware the
great dangers he was incurring, by his action in trying to restore the St. Keverne
Cross to St. Keverne. Apparently the Rev. H.C. Lambart had, finally been lost to
Church circles, and was not heard of again.
It would be an act of grace and remembered for all time, if the present owner of
Scorrier House would help in any way he could to trace the present whereabouts.
Mr. P. Williams of Scorrier House is a generous hearted man."
Footnote: Other people in the village believed that although the Cross was
removed by Mr. Williams, to Scorrier House, it was actually bought by the
Curate and finally taken to Gwennap.
The building of St. Peter's Church and Hall, at Coverack,
from notes made by Mr. Frank Curnow:
"In the 1880's, Mr. William Trevenen of Helston gave to the Vicars the Rev. John
Meyrick Sutton, M.A. the Churchwardens and their successors of the Parish of
St. Keverne, about half an acre of land, being pan of the tenement of
Chymbloth Coverack, as a site for a Place of Worship and additional burial
ground for the Parish.
Under the guidance of the Rev. Sutton, and the perseverance of the parishioners,
sufficient money was raised to commence building the Church early in 1885. It is
of red brick in the Early English style, consisting of Chancel, Nave, Vestry and
South Porch. There are stained glass windows in the east and west, the latter
depicting St. Peter with the crossed keys and St. Keverne holding his staff'.
Records tell us the initial building costs were £500, and there was seating
for 175 persons.
The Dedication and Consecration of the Church and Churchyard was on the
20th August that year, and it was licensed for the Solemnisation of Marriages on
the 26th February 1886. Since that date many marriages have taken place in this
beautiful little Church the first being on the 3lst March 1887, between Richard
James Tripconey of Coverack and Mary Anna Rogers of Kestles. Amongst
those buried in the Churchyard, is William Logan Hindmarsh, Third Officer of
the S.S. Mohegan, and a previous Vicar, the Rev. Johnathan Edward Cowley.
In 1955 the Bell turret became unsafe and was taken down. The Welsh slate on
the roof had also deteriorated and this was replaced with Delabole slate at a cost
of £900,
After the Church had been built, the need for a Hall had long been felt at
Coverack, as there was no place for Sunday School or Meetings other than the
Church itself. So efforts were made to get sufficient money to build. Sewing
meetings, sales of work, concerts, etc. together with donations from parishioners
and other further afield all added their quota to the building fund.
Canon Diggens - the Vicar at this time - did not think it advisable to build until
the cost could be reasonably met. However, after several years of patient labour
enough money was in hand.
Monday May 8th,1911 was a happy day for Coverack, when the foundation
stone of the hall was laid. The weather was ideal and the village looked its best.
A long procession formed, extending from the Church to the Lych Gate and the
Ceremony commenced at 4.00 p.m. with the singing of "The Church's One
Foundation."
First came the bearer of a Banner made for the occasion, with the "Crossed
Keys" in the centre and "St. Peter's, Coverack " below. Behind this came the
children of the Sunday School carrying spring flowers. They were followed by
ladies and girls of St. Keverne and Coverack Church choirs, all with bouquets of
Arum lilies; members of the Men and Ladies Building Committee, the surpliced
Choir of the Parish Church (men and boys were the only ones robed in those
days;) the Churchwardens, local Clergy and the Bishop of St. Germans.
The procession walked down the hill and through a decorated archway to the
building site. Mrs. P.D. Williams was handed a silver trowel and laid the
Foundation Stone - "In the faith of Jesus Christ; the Father, the Son and the
holy Ghost."
The ladies of Coverack served tea in Mrs. Bowden's and Mrs. Conner's tea-
rooms.
During the next years many more wrecks occurred on the dreaded Manacle Reef
We have some rough idea of how many boats have been lost over the last two
centuries, but before that, how many Roman, Phoenician, Turkish, Spanish, French
and British ships have ended their voyages abruptly on the Manacles?
In 1620, Sir John Killigrew, speaking of the Manacles wrote: "neither is yet
possible to get parfitt notice of the whence and what the ships are that yearly
do suffer on and near the Lizard, for yet is seldom that any man escapes and the
ship's split in small pieces. ' P P
After the wreck of the John in 1855 followed the wrecks of the Envoy 1858, John &
Rebecca 1867, Aura 1869, Cabinet I872, Puck 1874, Sultana Southdown 1876
Dunloe and Naiad, both in I879, Georgina 1881, Medina 1883, Lad Dalhousie
1884, and during this time, a lifeboat station was opened at Porthoustock in 1872.
In seventy years of service, the lifeboatmen of Porthoustock saved over 130 people
from the wild seas about the Manacles.
However, in March 1891, the lifeboatmen, were powerless to help some of the folk
who lost their lives in what would later be known as the 'Great Blizzard of'91.
Unable to launch their lifeboat, they did their utmost to save whoever they could.
Extract from 'The Lizard' by Jill Newtown.
"The first light snow was falling of the Great Blizzard of '91, when the tiny
wooden Topsham smack, the 'Dove' sprung a leak. On board were the Captain
mate and his thirteen year old son. James Cliff alerted several other members of
the lifeboat crew and as they watched her limping into shelter, her condition
worsened and she began to sink, at the same time being thrown up against the
rocks of the cove. Without hesitation, James Cliff tied a stout rope around his
waist and, with his friends clinging on to the other end, he plunged into the
foaming surf. Numb with cold from the biting, stinging seas, yet he reached the
smack and returned with the lad to safety. With barely a pause for breath, he
battled once again to the 'Dove' to rescue the mate. Again his fellow crew
members hauled the rescuer and rescued through the icy waves. He braced
himself to defy the sea yet a third time, and saved the Captain, as the 'Dove'
broke to pieces on the rocks."
"Within half an hour, men arrived from Rosenithon,just over the hill, with more
news. Two ketches were jammed on a lee shore. There was no chance of
launching the lifeboat. Armed with ropes the indefatigable Cliff and a dozen or
so other men ran to Godrevy. It was now snowing steadily." Despite all the
efforts made to reach the men the crews of both vessels were drowned. One ship
was called the 'Edwin,' and the other the 'Aquilla.'
A blizzard raged during that night, bringing the worst fall of snow the Lizard had
known in centuries. In the early hours of l0th March, a farmer from Penare,
between Porthallow and Gillan Creek, was out searching the fields for his animals.
He came across a sight he was never to forget. Richard Larn and Clive Carter wrote
in the book 'Cornish Shipwrecks' "daybreak revealed the 'Bay of Panama' hard
and fast under the cliff, broadside on to the sea, her bowsprit less than fifty
feet from the rocks. Her rigging and deck were in ruins, with a mass of cordage
attached to the masts trailing alongside. A few pitiful figures still hung in the
rigging, some alive, some dead; it was impossible to tell the difference from
ashore."
The West Briton reported details of the wreck as follows:
"As a result of the storm, there were several wrecks in Falmouth Bay, one of
them being attended by a serious loss of life. The 'Bay of Panama' of London
2,282 tons, a four masted steel ship, from Calcutta to Dundee with jute, went
ashore, on Tuesday morning, at Penare Point, near the Helford River, and
afterwards became a total wreck. The 'Panama' had experienced fearful weather
during the past fortnight, and this accounts for her running ashore. The
lifesaving rockets were brought into requisition, and by their aid,17 sailors
were brought ashore, but the Captain, his wife and 18 seamen were drowned.
Several of the bodies were washed ashore yesterday, including the Captain's wife.
The survivors, on getting ashore, walked to Falmouth, a distance of about 10
miles (via Gweek), and were there cared for in the Sailor's Home.
News of the wreck was first brought to Falmouth by a man named Joseph Hendy
James, of the Old Vicarage, St. Keverne, butcher. He left St. Keverne about one
o'clock Tuesday on a pony for Helston, intending to wire to Falmouth. At
Helston he found the wires down and no communication. Finding it impossible
to proceed on horseback he left his pony and made for Falmouth on foot. On the
way he encountered enormous difficulties. For a mile and a half or two miles he
had to crawl along on his hands and knees through the snow. His face became
coated with ice and several times he had to break ice from his eyes, whilst
icicles hung from his ears. More dead than alive he came across a cottage in the
occupation of a mason, named Combellack. Here, he rested until daylight on
Wednesday morning, when he pursued his journey and arrived at Falmouth
about nine o'clock and gave notice of the disaster to Messrs. Broad and Sons."
The Coverack Rocket apparatus was responsible for the rescue of the survivors
from the wreck of the Anne Elizabeth, north of Lowland point in November 1895.
This extract is from the 'West Briton'.
"In the early hours of Tuesday morning a shipping disaster occurred at the
Manacles, between the Lizard and Falmouth, which resulted in the loss of five
lives. The ill-fated vessel was the three masted Norwegian barque, 'Anne
Elizabeth ' 398 tons, bound from Cardiff to Christiania with 531 tons of coal.
She left the Welsh Port with a total crew of eight, on the l9th and bid fair to
make a successful voyage, until Sunday night. At that time she was off the Start
Point, but an increasingly strong east wind prevented much headway being made,
coming on to blow with hurricane force. The vessel commenced to drift and all
day Monday was tossed about the Channel at the mercy of wind and waves.
When daylight began to break on Tuesday morning the Manacles were discerned
and additional sail was put on with a view to avoiding the land. But the velocity
of the wind and the swirl of the tide prevented the barque from answering her
helm, and just before seven she struck with a tremendous force against that
portion of the Manacles to the east of Contrive bay, (today known as Godrevy),
a small opening in the iron bound coast, between the Manacles and the
Lowlands about five miles from Coverack. Entertaining fears for their safety,
the steward, carpenter and four seamen embarked in a small boat, and together
with the vessel were hurled towards the coast. Getting between the wreck and the
surf beaten shore, the boat was swamped and lives of its occupants were
drowned. A seaman named Hatman Hansen was rescued.
By this time the Coverack Rocket apparatus in charge of Chief Officer Jeffers,
was on the scene, and with commendable alacrity a line was thrown over the
vessel and by means of a breeches buoy, the survivors, who were huddled
together in the forecastle, were saved. So heavy was the sea that in each
instance it was feared that the men would be washed out of the buoy. Soon after
the rescue, one of the dead bodies was washed ashore. Attempts to restore
animation by Dr. Leverton-Spry and others proved ineffective...... Too much
praise cannot be given to the gallant coastguardsmen and members of the life-
saving brigade. The alarm of the wreck was raised at Coverack at 7.20 a.m. The
rocket brigade and coastguards were at once summoned, and the life-saving
apparatus was placed on a waggon, drawn by three horses. The distance to be
traversed was five miles over the roughest roads possible to imagine, steep,
zigzag paths, strewn with huge boulders, having to be traversed at high speed.
Despite these and other difficulties the party quickly arrived at the scene, and
by twenty to nine al1 survivors had been rescued. Mr. Roskilly, at once rode to
Coverack and prepared warm bedding food and clothing for the shipwrecked
men, who spoke in thankful terms of his kindness and good nature."
In 1898, the 'Mohegan' went down, resulting in the loss of 106 lives.
The Porthoustock boat was launched twice and was responsible for the rescue of
the survivors, but they were greatly hampered by the lack of light, because the
whole system of electric light on the 'Mohegan' failed soon after she struck the
Manacles.
Canon Diggens wrote the following Ietter:
To the Solicitor of the Board of Trade.
Wreck of the S.S. Mohegan.
I, William Alfred Diggens, Vicar of St. Keverne in the County of Cornwall,
having made many voyages at sea, and having been most intimately acquainted
with the events that occurred immediately subsequent to the wreck of the S.S.
Mohegan, beg to make the following observations based on the experience thus
acquired:
l) That in all human probability if a light house had been in existence at the
Manacles, the above valuable ship with more than a hundred still more valuable
lives, would not have been lost.
2) That such a light would have prevented a very large number of the casualties
that have unfortunately taken place in this locality.
3) That if such a light is not provided measures much more ample and efficient
for the saving of life and property than those existing in this neighbourhood,
should be adopted. For instance
a) Since lifeboats from distance places cannot work safely and
effectually in these (to them) strange and dangerous Waters, a
second lifeboat should be placed at Coverack. The fishermen at
this village are familiar with the Manacles and the boat could be
launched in all weathers.
b) There should be a life saving apparatus at St. Keverne from
which an easy descent could be made to any part of the adjacent
coast. If the Coverack Rocket carriage is employed on the shore
near the Manacles, it has first to be brought (probably pushed)
up a long, steep hill, a mile in length, before it can be conveyed
to its ultimate destination. The delay thus occasioned has
proved disastrous in at least one instance.
c) The Coastguard station, instead of being established (as
seems to be the intention) in Porthoustock Cove, should be
established at or near the old Watch House on Manacle Point.
Vessels approaching the dangerous rocks, might then perhaps
be warned off in time to avert a disaster.
4) Lifeboats in search of wrecks and survivors should on dark nights car
powerful lights. Possibly more lives might have been saved, if this had been done
on the night of the Mohegan wreck.
5) There should be some system of signals by which people ashore Can Convey
messages to lifeboats at sea. Such a system would have been of great value on the
night of the wreck.
6) That the mast-head and tide lights on ships should be altogether independent
of any general lighting system of illumination.
7) That a scheme for rendering each separate iron deck a horizontal watertight
bulkhead, might prevent such losses as that of the Mohegan.
8) That practical tests of the boat lowering of vessels should be made at frequent
intervals in the presence of Officers of the Board of Trade, and that weekly boat
drills on ships should be made compulsory.
I have only to add that I should like to have given evidence at the Board of Trade
Enquiry, as I think that my evidence might have been of some value, especially in
the matter of life-saving.
W.A. Diggens
November 2nd, 1898.
During the time he spent at St. Keverne, Canon Diggens was Hon. Sec. to the
Porthoustock lifeboat, and a local newspaper wrote of him:
"Canon Diggens, is a splendid example of a brave man and a Christian, for
recently under his active direction no fewer than forty-four lives were saved in
a wreck by the Coverack lifeboat. By his cheery words to the 'lads' and his
splendid example of practical Christianity, Canon Diggens has been the means
of saving many precious lives; and he is the honourary secretary of the
Porthoustock branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution."
Footnote: As a result of Canon Diggens' campaigning, a lifeboat was placed at
Coverack in 1901 and a life-saving rocket apparatus was also obtained for St.
Keverne. This was housed in Commercial Road, in a shed which now forms part
of Mr. Percy Moyle's house. '
From Canon Diggens' notes regarding the History of the St.Keverne Church bells.
Several references are made in an old Church account book which show that the
St. Keverne people were very busy preparing for the hanging of new bells, two
centuries ago.
In 1724, we find the following items;
Paid for Ironwork about ye melting and hanging the greater bell £7.16s.05d
Paid for men, horses and oxen carrying deals, earth and stones £O.lOs.06d
Paid for Bell Mettle £ 15.l0s.07d
Paid for having a Beame to hoist Bell £0.03s.06d
Paid on Mr. Phillip's account for work about ye whels of ye Bells £02.03s.06d
Paid for ye nayles and oyle £00.08s.08d
Mr. Phillips evidently cast the Bell as his name frequently occurs in connection
with items paid.
In 1725, among the receipts, the entry:
Received for Bell Mettle £09.16s.00d
The Ringers for the King's coronation 1727 were paid £00.03s.00d
Four years later judging from the following items of expense the work must have
been completed.
Mr. Pinnerton's wages and addition metal £ 46.l2s.O5d
Paid for roaps for ye Bells £0l.l0s.00d
Paid for roaping ye Bells £00.l0s.00d
Paid for rectifying ye Bells per Wm. Exelby £02.00s.00d
Paid for Barge for bringing ye timber £0l.00s.00d
Paid for the lent of a warp and roap for hoisting the bells £00.06s.06d
These bells were three in number and were doubtless the same as those which in
1906 attracted the attention of the parishioners. Two centuries of usage had left
their traces on frame work and metal alike and rendered them unworthy of the
noble building occupied.
A public meeting was called by the Vicar, (Rev. W.A. Diggens) which was
presided over by P.D. Williams Esq. of Lanarth and addressed by Mr. J.C.
Daubuz of Killiow, to consider the advisability of procuring a new peal. The
Squire, Mr. P.D. Williams, set the ball rolling by offering £25.0.0d. towards the
cost of the iron frame work, a similar sum towards the recasting of the old bells,
and a further sum towards the provision of additional bells (an offer which
subsequently took the form of the provision of number four bell).
Mr. Daubuz, after counselling the meeting to be content with nothing short of a
peal of eight, offered to collect for the two treble bells, providing the Parish
obtained the other six and so successful were his efforts that with the help of
Mr. Sandys of Lanarth (St. Kew) £100 were quickly raised. The parish meanwhile
gave liberally, and friends outside added their contributions. Four 'Mohegan'
survivors sent £14.0.0d. accompanied by sympathetic letters and Mr. John
Williams of Ealing (a former St. Keverne resident) promised £50 and collected
other sums. His contribution was allocated to the re-casting of number six bell.
Mr. Jevons of Rosuick promised £50.0.0d. a sum which he afterwards increased
to between £63 and £64.0.0d. in order that he might give number three bell,
outright.
Mr. King of Cincinnati, U.S.A. offered another £50.0.0. for the fifth bell,
which was to be partly made out of old metal. At this time it was found that the
funds would not only be available to complete the scheme but that a heavier peal
of bells could be provided by them. It was then suggested by Mr. James Hill, that
in addition to the heavy peal, a clock should be procured and he offered the
first guinea towards the clock. Mr. Daubuz followed with another and Mr. John
Williams of Scorrier generously gave £10.0.0.dOther subscriptions came in and
Messrs. John Taylor and Sons received an order for a peal of bells and Messrs.
John Smith and Co. of Derby, the order for a clock with 5ft. dials.
In the meantime largely through the intervention of Mr. George Lory,
(Secretary of the Cornish Association), the Lord Mayor of London consented to
visit St. Keverne on Ascension Day for the opening of the bells.
On April 5th the peal arrived gaily decorated with flowers and escorted to the
village by children waving flags and a band playing lively music. But the day to
be remembered came five weeks later when the Lord Bishop of the Diocese Paid
his first visit to the parish for the purpose of dedicating the Bells and Clock,
and the Lord Mayor of London came with his sheriff, the High Sheriff of Cornwall
and three County Mayors to proclaim the bells open for use in the service of
God.
Fortunately the weather was propitious and in every kind of conveyance people
poured into St. Keverne. The Lord Mayor was received outside the village by the
Parish and District Councillors, and was conducted beneath the triumphal
arches to the Square where life-boat crews, representative parishioners,
coastguardmen and children, awaited his coming, and where Mr. James Coad
presented an address of welcome, illuminated by Miss Ethel Roskruge.
At the service which followed the church was filled to overflowing. The Lord
Mayor was called upon to pronounce the Bells open and the Bishop gave the
address. The Luncheon which succeeded the religious ceremony was a worthy
tribute from an agricultural and maritime population. Some idea of the labour
and generosity of the givers may be gathered from the Menu which included 70
lobsters 20 crabs, 1851bs of beef, 12 quarters of lamb, 5 hams, 30 chickens,
several tongues, pies innumerable and sweets, salads, etc. Mr. PD Williams
provided the guests table entirely. After the luncheon, the usual toasts were
given. The Bishop responded for the Church and Clergy. The Lord Mayor
humourously answered the chairman's toast to himself by quoting the words of a
speaker viz "that they had a live Lord Mayor amongst them." He very much
feared that he would soon be a dead one if he stayed longer in Cornwall to be
feted as he had been.
In the afternoon the Porthoustock Lifeboat was launched for exercise. Tea was
provided in the large marquee and altogether 1000 people were fed during the
day.
At the Ascentiontide service at 7.00 p.m. the Bishop again preached.
The total taking from collections, and luncheon and tea tickets amounted
to £130.0.0d.
It may be noted that several dozen children presented as many purses each
containing a pound for the clock fund to Sir W. Treloar and in return
received from his hand an inscribed mug, the gift of Mr. Furnival, Stoke on
Trent.
Footnote: One of the speeches at the luncheon was given by James Henry
Treloar Cliff, of Manacle View, St. Keverne, Coswain of the Porthoustock
Lifeboat. His mother Harriet Treloar Cliff was cousin to the Lord Mayor, Sir
William Treloar.
From a note book kept by Mr. W. Mitchell of Porthoustock.
Facts in it date from 1833 -1914,
though the notebook is dated 1901. These extracts are in the order in
which they appear in the book, the spelling is Mr. Mitchell's own!
Our Queen Victoria Died 22nd January Half past Six O'clock in the Evening at
Horsborn, Isle of White,1901.
1909 Top price of late potatoes was put in on the wean of the Moon.
1909 February. Mr. Rich Roberts has possession of that piece of Ground for his
house by Paying 2 shillings per year and it is to be removed at any time that it
is required.
Draft for a letter. St. Keverne March 3,1909.
Sir You very well know that the Road belong to me and no one have any right
there but A James as you have begun work in such under halling way I give you
Notice that you will not have any right of way in my right I have nothing to do
with anything but you therefore I shall keep my right and you keep yours you
have no right outside of the hedge and I shall not interfear with yours on the
inside of the hedge neather shall I let you come to interfear with my right. I am.
W. Mitchell.
The Lectionnearing was on the 25 day of January 1910. Mr. Hay Morgan was
Electred a Libral Candetate 611 Mejority.
Reciepe for Reducing Fat People. Half Ounce of Marmola, once ounce of fluid
extract of Glycycrrhiza B.P., one ounce of pure Glycerine B.P. and three and a
half ounces of Peppermind Water, of this harmless Mixture take a dose of two
teaspoons full after each meal and two teaspoonsful at bedtime.
Prince Consort, Prince Albert breathed his last, Saturday December l4th,1861.
The first Steam War Ship was built in 1833, was named Royal William.
Cannon were first cast in England by Hugget at Uckfield in Sussex.
King Edward Received General Botha, De Wet and Delary on board the Royal
Yacht at Cowes, August l8th 1902. They wear the three Boer Generals that
fought against England.
The cost of the Old Age pension in the year 1911 is estimated at £ 12,415,000.
The Steam Ship Titanic ran into an iceberg April l4th 1912. The lost of lives
1,535. The Number that was saved is 705. The ship was 882 ft.
The Norwegian Barque Gunvor Came ashore at the Black Head 5 day of April
1912 with a Cargo of Nitrate, all of the men was saved.
February 1913. The first two days 3rd, 4, 5, 6th was fine the 7, 8, 9 was very
wet and wild on the 10 it got dry and Cold and on the 24 a shower.
In February 1913 there was 23 days of very fine weather.
I gave Cliff notice May 30th 1910 to Make up That Gap into My Right.
August 15 1914. At the Time the War was thur was Horses brought here from St.
Anthony, Manaccan, St. Martin, St. Keverne, for to be exemen by a Vet for the
Army and Number that was brought here for 280 to choose from.
William Mitchell, seems to have been a compulsive note-maker Miss Diggens
copied down his notes on:
"Houses Taken down or Fallen into Decay during my lifetime"
dated 24 August 1909.
On the Rock 2 Treloyan 1
Laddenvean 3 Trenance 1
Anthony's Hill 1 Ebywaters 1
Trevallack 4 Polkillis 1
Tremenhere Gate 3 Gilly ? 1
Dolly Tom's 2 Owls House 1
Lower Dolly's 1 Lower Tregaminion 1
Roskilly Gate 1 Higher Tregaminion 1
Grugath 1 Tregarne 1
Lanarth Gate 1 Tregarne Mill 1
Zoar 1 Halwin 1
Polcoverack Gate 1 Polquidnon 1
Miles Exelby's 2 Pollornow 1
Gilly 2 Tregowris 2
Boscarnon 1 Lesneage 1
Trevalso 2 Troon 1
Chywednack 1 Polkerth 1
Tregallast 1 Retallacks 1
Cheveran 1
Trythance 3 Total 65
Long Meadow 4 Leaving out Trabo, The Downs, Coverack,
Rosenithon 4
(1 built) & Porthallow. In the village and
Porthoustock 4 around the parish, the total is 94.
In the Churchtown
1 house behind Will's Public House 'Three Tuns.'
3 houses (E. Rule's shop and two behind).
1 J. Curtis (end of Rule's draper's shop)
5 where W. James' house stands near "White Hart."
(1 house built here).
1 where J.Pearce's Stores are.
2 where Wm.Plomer's private house and garden stand (1 built).
1 in behind Dr. E.J. Leverton-Spry's house is.
3 going along Trelyn Lane, also Smith's shop.
1 inside near Mr. W. Tripp's stable.
3 where T.J. Joyce's house stands (1 built here)
4 where Doctor's and Mitchell's houses are, (2 built here).
2 where Council School stands.
2 where F. Mitchell's Carpenter's shop and Miss Champion's house are. (1 built
here).
Total 29 demolished and six built.
Wm. Mitchell added another note later,
"The Three Tuns and four cottages that is taken down. The New Hotel built will leave
four cottages less they added to the others that was taken before is 34 in the
Churchtown."
Extract from 'Cornwall and Its People' by A.K. Hamilton Jenkin
We wonder if it refers to our compulsive note-maker,
Mr. Michell, or one of his relatives?
"Spirits, of course, were not the only form of contraband dealt in by the
smugglers. One day, a man named George Michell drove up at the door of the
Angel Hotel at Helston, in a spring cart, the back portion of which was closely
covered with a sheet of tarpaulin. "What 'ave 'ee got in there?" inquired the
landlady, coming to the door to meet him. "Silk, my dear," replied the man, "do
'ee want to buy some?" "Hush," replied the landlady, "I thoft as much, and
what's more there's others know of it. There's a party of sarchers in the bar
waiting for you now. They'll be out any minute. What are 'ee going to do?"
Without a word the man jumped down from the cart, and throwing the reins to
his son, bade him drive into the inn yard. Proceeding himself towards the bar, he
greeted the excisemen with a friendly nod.
"A cold day, gentlemen," he remarked, "what about a drink all round?"
The excisemen, having their man in sight, willingly agreed. "I expect you found
the wind pretty cold crossing Goonhilly Downs this morning," said the Officer
with a knowing glance, "you come from St. Keverne, I believe. Do you know if
there's been much smuggling out that way lately?"
"Aw, ais, pretty fair, I believe," I replied the other, "and there would be
plenty more if you chaps wasn't always so darned smart. No good for the poor
smugglers to try and deceive you. You can see through their tricks every time. It
beats me how you do knaw so much."
Between drinking and chatting, the man contrived to spin out a considerable
time. Suddenly, however, there was a rumble of cart wheels and the sound of
horse-hoofs outside. One of the men, rushed to the window, in time to see an old
fashioned box-hearse being driven out of the inn yard.
"Only a pauper's funeral," he remarked, as he rejoined the others by the fire.
They finished their glasses and then the officer rose and putting on an official
air, turned to the other and said, "George Michell, for that I believe, is your
name, I have a warrant here to search you and the cart in which you drove up just
now. I must ask you to accompany me into the yard."
Nothing loth, the other led the way. The tarpaulin was removed, only to disclose
to the 'sarcher's' gaze the usual market produce, several baskets of eggs, a few
fowls and some butter.
"Is that all, friends?" inquired the owner, "because, if so, I must be going about
my business - an you, I expect, have yours."
The official records of the custom-houses, bear overwhelming testimony to the
daring and success which attended the smugglers activities over a long period of
time!"
From Miss Esme Bulkeley's notes - she lived at Tregellast Barton
just near Long Meadow Lane.
"At the bottom of Meadow Lane, which runs from Tregellast Pool to
Rosenithon, where it joins the St. Keverne to Rosenithon road, on the right hand
side there are traces in the hedge of walling. The corner is known as Nancy Cox
Corner, and for a long time I could not find out who was Nancy Cox, though
tradition had it that she had a monkey. However before he died, old Mr. James
Pengilly told me that she had a beer house, what the Cornish call a Kiddlywink or
Tiddlywink. Why a beer house on a lane, hardly more than a track until
comparatively recently, which led nowhere but to a very small hamlet. But
taking into consideration the monkey, and the view over the Manacle Rocks,
and the fact that so little is known about it, it seemed obviously the
headquarters of a smuggling organisation. Gong back a few hundred years, pack
ponies could go from there, up Meadow. Lane, and except for Tregellast farmhouse,
whose owners were no doubt 'in it' they would pass no dwellings till they reached
the thatched cottage at double lodges. (Trelowarren)."
Mr. Austyn Pengelly, one of our senior villagers, added the following
information in 1974, about the Long Meadow Gang.'
"About 200 years ago, the Quoits, was a guide for smugglers who lived at
Rosenithon, and up each side of Long Meadow Lane Nancy Cox, Ralph
Arundel, Walter Davis, John Trerise, and Robert Roskilly, to mention a few of
the men who all had a little meadow and a homestead with their horses and dray,
and a cow for their house. Another old lady smuggler called Betsey Matthews
had about 8 1/2 acres of land and lived over near Lowland Point. When the tide
was right, she would light a fire in a furze bush on a rock in Betsey's Cliff.
Nancy Cox, then kindled a fire on the Giant Quoit, giving the message that kegs
were being landed at Godrevy Cove, to the Long Meadow Gang, who came
along with horses and drays. The cargo was soon dispatched in a tunnel in Nancy
Cox Field."
An account of superstitions surviving in St. Keverne,
written by Canon Diggens and his volunteer researchers C. 1900.
Our own insular superstitions have come down to us from Druidical days. A
century or two ago there was not a village in Britain without its ghost, a common
without its fairy circle, or a grave yard without its disembodied spirit.
Such beliefs naturally have ceased to exist in crowded cities, but in isolated
spots they still partially linger though not to great extent.
Superstition is not quite dead yet in St. Keverne. Fishermen carefully refrain
from whistling when at sea. This doubtless originated from the ancient belief
that the whistling will call up the spirits of the air.
A hares foot thrown by anyone into a boat is said to bring ill-luck to those
going in it.
Years ago it was believed that a cure for the evil eye was to go to Holy
Communion, and keep a piece of consecrated bread, carrying it about with you.
When blackbirds hover over a house where illness is, they are said to be
harbingers of death.
When the wind is in the east on Candlemas Day,
There it will stick till the second of May.
When the wind is in the North,
The skilful fisher goes not forth,
When the wind is in the south,
It blows the bait in the fishes mouth,
When the wind is in the west,
Then 'tis at its very best.
If Christmas Day on a Sunday fall,
A troublesome winter we shall have all.
It is supposed in Cornwall that if club-moss is properly gathered it will be good
against a11 diseases of the eyes.
Sailors say "A north wind is a brook for the Channel."
The power of ill-wishing is still believed by the St. Keverne people. An invalid in
the parish was pointed out to the writer as being the victim of an ill-wish when
she was nine years old, in consequence of which, it was said, that she never new
any more.
The origin of this superstition doubtless originated in patriarchal times. The
office of ill-wishing generally formed part of the duties of the Druid. When two
people entered into a contract the Druid was present to utter imprecations on
him who should break the agreement. How Profoundly dreaded was the 'ill-
wish' may be judged by the case recorded in the "Colloquy of the Ancients "
where it is said that Airmalack, son of the King of Leinster died of sheer fright
when threatened by the bard. A curse, once launched could not be recalled. If
wrongfully pronounced then it rested and fell on the head of him who had
pronounced it.
We must not be too shocked at this cursing as pra |
