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Cape Cornwall
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HOLIDAYS IN ST JUST
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The stunning Botallack Crown Mines -
cliff-edge mine workings. the mine was built during the 1860s
at the height of the Cornish mining boom,
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ST JUST - LANDS END
Few towns have retained their character in this century
as St Just, the first and last town in England, has.
Once it was the mining centre of the peninsula
and disused engine houses predominate the landscape. In the centre
of the town is Plain-an- Gwarry, a theatre used for miracle plays
in medieval times.
The fifteenth century church includes part of the
1336 building and a three foot high pillar, the Selus Stone, with
a Roman inscription and a Greek monogram in the north aisle was
found 150 years ago.
St Just’s history is typical of the whole area, rich
in mining, farming and fishing from remote times. Everywhere can
be seen monuments of this, often amid the moorland, heather and
gorse. Carn Kenidjack - the Hooting Carn - the cliffs of
Carn Gloose, and a path to Cot Valley, as well as the lovely
valley of Nanquidno.
Cape Cornwall
The spectacular hump-backed Cape Cornwall, with its
138 year old mine chimney stack, is the only cape where two oceans
meet in England. It rears 229 feet out of the sea to a summit which
offers a 270 degree view over the Western Approaches……well worth
the steep climb.. Rare plants and birds give the area an extra special
appeal today. The headland in (mostly) managed under the stewardship
of the National Trust. There is a small car park available
- but no other facilities.
Cape Cornwall was a bronze age settlement - which
along with the nearby cliff castle at Kenidjack was probably
in use up until the Iron Age.
The Brisons, are two offshore rocks, lying
approximately 1.6 kilometers to the south west of the Cape. The
rocks are 22 and 37 meters in height -their name comes from the
French word brisant, 'reef, breaker'. The Brisons and the
underwater reef that connects them Gribba Point, has caused many
a shipwreck.
Botallack
See the Crown Mine engine house perched just
above the Atlantic, the upper shaft of which extended 2,000 feet
under the sea. "Nanpara" the farmhouse used in the Poldark series
is also to be found at Botallack.
Poldark Country
The 2015 Poldark TV Series also features the Botallack
Crown Mines and the rich mining heritage that can be seen around
Botallack (just north of St Just) and Levant. The Levant Mine was
the setting for "Tressiders Rolling Mill" while Owles
and Crowns near Botallack played the role of "Poldarks Wheal
Leisure" mine.
Pendeen
Formerly a major tin producing village, latterly
production has ceased but its history is told at the Geevor Tin
Mine Museum. Another popular attraction is the lighthouse. Walk
the Hard Rock Trail through areas which convey the spirit of Pendeen’s
past.
Morvah
A small village in a wild moorland setting. Spectacular
cliff scenery from this part of the Land’s End to St Ives coastal
footpath. The 15th Century church was used as a beacon for shipping.
Sancreed
A lovely village between St Just and Penzance with
an interesting Cornish church. A good starting point from which
to explore the Beacon and ancient remains of Caer Bran and Carn
Euny. Reached via the A30 road from Drift, where the reservoir offers
excellent trout fishing.
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