The last TV series may have veered sharply off the rails. However, re-reading the early novels of Winston Graham’s Poldark saga is a reminder of how he wove his plot around some not inaccurate historical observations. Cornwall was a place of major change in the Poldark years from 1783 to 1820. High pressure steam engines … Continue reading Contextualising Poldark: cottage conditions
Free public lecture on Charles Causley’s poetry
Durham University's Department of English Studies is hosting two public lectures on the 16th, one of which concerns Causley's poetry in relation to wartime trauma. If you're interested see the details in the poster below.
‘A hideous and wicked country’: travellers on Cornwall
We all know Cornwall is a picturesque place. In fact, although it is viewed as such now, it wasn’t always seen in that light. The countless images of Cornwall’s cliffs and coastline that are produced and circulated by visitors and locals alike these days would have come as a surprise to the travellers of the … Continue reading ‘A hideous and wicked country’: travellers on Cornwall
Maps for the surnames Hollow and Trestrail
These are two locative surnames that originated in a place (perhaps). You can find maps of these in 1861 for comparison here. Remember, if you want information on a surname that hasn’t appeared in my book or been a subject of a previous blog do let me know.
The battle of Lostwithiel, 1644
In the civil wars of the 1640s the battle of Lostwithiel was a Parliamentary disaster and the last major Royalist victory of the wars. More a series of skirmishes than an all-out set-piece battle, an out-numbered Parliamentary army found itself trapped between Lostwithiel and Fowey. It was forced to surrender on September 2nd, 1644. How … Continue reading The battle of Lostwithiel, 1644
Has the Standard Written Form of Cornish failed?
For a lot of us the debate over the proper base for the revived Cornish language is about as relevant as medieval theologians arguing over the number of angels that can stand on the head of a pin. Nonetheless, the Cornish language, revived or not, is of considerable symbolic importance for Cornwall and its identity … Continue reading Has the Standard Written Form of Cornish failed?
Maps for the surnames Jago and Wearne
Two patronymic surnames that originated in a first name. You can find maps of these in 1861 for comparison here. Remember, if you want information on a surname that hasn’t appeared in my book or been a subject of a previous blog do let me know.
Charles Causley
The Cornish poet Charles Causley was born in Launceston on August 24th, 1917. The Seasons in North Cornwall O Spring has set off her green fusesDown by the Tamar today,And careless, like tide-marks, the hedgesAre bursting with almond and may. Here lie I waiting for old summer,A red face and straw-coloured hair has he:I shall … Continue reading Charles Causley
Admiral Boscawen
There used to be a pub in Truro called the Admiral Boscawen. But who was Admiral Boscawen? Born this week in 1711, Edward Boscawen was the third son of the first Viscount Falmouth of nearby Tregothnan. He went on to become one of the leading naval officers of the day and a British war hero. … Continue reading Admiral Boscawen
Maps for the surnames Bosanko and Penaluna
Two surnames that originated in one parish and ramified in another. You can find maps of these in 1861 for comparison here. Remember, if you want information on a surname that hasn’t appeared in my book or been a subject of a previous blog do let me know.
Cornish studies resources 