Death of Rev. W. Billing (Dec 1839)
Celebrations for the Marriage of Queen Victoria (Feb 1840)
Letter from Rev James Sawle (1841)
St Anthony in Roseland Thanksgiving (Oct 1843)
Interesting Discovery by George JOHNS (May 1844)
Alarming Fire - at Barton of Place (Oct 1844)
St Just Pool - support for it becoming the Falmouth harbour railway terminus (Nov 1844)
Laying of foundation stone for the chancel of St Anthony in Roseland (Mar 1849)
Election of a Guardian for Gerrans (Apr 1849)
Building work at Gerrans Church (May 1849)
Cholera in St Anthony (Aug 1849)
Repairs to St Anthony Church (Nov 1849)
Consecration of St Gerrans Church (Jun 1851)
Restoration of the Church of St Anthony in Roseland (May 1852)
Death of Rev. William James, Independent Minister (Nov 1853)
Coursing at St Anthony in Roseland (Feb 1855)
Dissolution of Roseland Friendly Society (Mar 1870)
Brighton of the West (Aug 1887)
Consecration of Additional Burial Ground (Aug 1887)
Portscatho - The Lighting of the Streets (Sep 1887)
Portscatho - The Improvement of the Town (Sep 1887)
GERRANS ‘Jubilee’ Reading Room (Dec 1887)
Portscatho - A Rich Haul (Jan 1888)
"Friends Goodwill" 01/04/1830 5.11.30N 04.58W
Falmouth, Gerrans Bay
ST Sailing Vessel (unspecified) FG United Kingdom, PN Sail
‘The body of a woman, about 27 years of age, was washed ashore at St Anthony near Falmouth on Friday se’night, supposed to be the wife of the captain of a vessel which has been wrecked. She was stout made, with long black hair, and had three gold rings on her fingers; had her stays on, over which she wore a black stuff gown, a kerseymere waistcoat and sailor’s jacket, cotton stockings but no shoes. The body was interred at St Anthony on Sunday last. A boat came ashore at the same place the preceeding day, on her stern was painted in white letters FRIENDS GOODWILL, Plymouth, and on the inside in black letters Thomas Mann. A bowsprit has also been picked up, and several pieces of wreckage.’
RCG 10/04/1830(Sat.)(R); Plymouth Custom House register 01.04.1830.
"Foam" 01/07/1879 Falmouth St Anthony L/h near. 50.08.40N 05W
VO St Lucia – Marseilles; ST Brigantine (sail) LBD 34.26 x 7.13 x 4.11; PT Plymouth; FG United Kingdom; GT 211; CGO Sugar; BT 1866 Williams, Plymouth; PN Sail;CR7; CL2; CP Ball.
‘arrived at Plymouth – sailing on 30th June. Finding the gale increasing, working in for the harbour, but missed stays and struck on the rocks a mile out of St Ann’s lighthouse (St Anthony), and became a total wreck. The captain and four of the crew were saved by getting over the jibboom, but the boy apprentice tried to swim ashore, was dashed against the rocks and was drowned. One of the men would not go ashore with the rest, saying that the vessel was all right, but he left ‘till too late, for the vessel broke up and the man was drowned. On June 2nd [sic] Mr Carlyon, coroner, held an inquest on the bodies of Walter Hickey and Thomas (other name unknown) when the jury returned a verdict of accidentally drowned.’ Nb. There is some discrepancy between reports as to where this vessel went ashore; above quotes one mile E of St Anthony’s, ie. Near Porthmellin Hd. But LL states Lubiker, Gerran.
RCG 11.07.1879 (Fri) (R); LL 02.07.1879 (R); LR 1876-7 No.339 (f)
"Fortitude" 20/10/1881 Falmouth St Anthony L/h 2m. 50.09.40N 04.58.30W
Vo West Hartlepool – Sidmouth; ST Schooner(sail) LBD20.65 x 6.40 x 3.28; PT Hartlepool; FG United Kingdom; NT 87; CGO Coal unspecified; BT 1804, Sunderland; PN Sail; CR5; CL5; Cp Hogarth, W.
‘The crew of five were observed on deck doing their utmost to keep the vessel off the dead lee shore. The rocket apparatus was brought to the place where she was most likely to strike and everything made ready, but the preparation was useless, for when at last the schooner struck, one large wave broke over her, and washed all the poor fellows into the boiling surf, not one reaching the shore alive … shortly after the vessel’s masts went by the board and during the night the decks were washed away. Some portion of the cargo was strewn along the shore. Nothing can save the ship from going to pieces … four of the bodies have been washed ashore, all except the captain …’ She carried 154 tons of gas coal, and 5 tons of iron. Wind conditions ESE force 10.
CT 27.10.1881 (Thu) ® LL28.10.1881 ® BOT WK. Rtn. 1881. Appx. Pts. 1-IV p108; NLR.
GERRANS, or St. GERRANS, is so called from a king, Gerennius, who, before the year 596, came from Wales, driven thence by the Saxons, and being ,well received by the people in Cornwall, he fixed upon a place then called Curgurrell, where he is said to have built a castle and a kingly residence with numerous fortifications; and, living there some years, he appointed his son his successor, and died in the year 596, and was buried near that spot; some time after, his son, in reverence to his father's remains, had them removed to and deposited in a place called Carne Beacon-an immense elevation about two miles from Curgurrell-said to be, within a few feet, the height of St. Paul's, in London; and in some records, discovered by the Rev. J. Adams, a gold boat with silver oars, and an urn, were said to have been buried with his remains. However, several of the clergy and other gentlemen, in November, l855, had a party of people to dig for the supposed relics; something was discovered which evidently showed that it had been a place of burial long ages ago.
Gerrans is a parish about 6 miles south-west from Tregony, 9 south from Truro, and 4 north from St. Mawes, almost surrounded by the sea, in the Western division of the county, west division of Powder hundred, Truro union and county court district, rural deanery of Powder, archdeaconry of Cornwall, and diocese of Exeter; it adjoins the parish of St. Anthony in Roseland, and is bounded on the east by the English Channel, and on the west by a creek of St. Mawes harbour.
The first church is supposed to have been built previous to the year 590, by order of King Gerennius; yet history says that, in the year 1334, Gerrans was only a chapel dependent on St. Anthony, for in a deed of confirmation of churches and chapels to Plympton Priory, by Bishop Grandison, 1334, "the prior and convent" are said "to hold in possession the church of St. Antoninus" and "the chapel of Gerrands dependent upon it." The church of St. Gerenius, built in the year 1262, in the Early English style - was rebuilt in the years 1849 and 1850; it has a tower and spire, chancel, nave, south aisle, north transept, porch, 2 bells, a chancel screen, sedilia, and stained windows: one of the original windows remains. In the churchyard is a very ancient granite cross. The register dates from the year 1539. The living is a rectory, endowed in 1261 Bishop Bronescombe, lord of the manor, yearly value £306 13s., with residence and small glebe, in the gift of the Bishop of Exeter, and held by the Rev. Frederick Henry Ambrose Scrivener, LL.D., of Trinity College Cambridge.
There is a National school for 140 boys and girls, built in 1863, not endowed, and a Sunday 8chool is held at the school-room. There are chapels for Independents, Wesleyans, and Bible Christians. There is a charity called Harris's, of the annual value of £9 2s. 6d.; and in 1867 Captain C. Baker, R.N., gave £200 stock for the poor of the parish, and to keep in repair the family vault. Two fairs are held yearly, at Trewithian in Gerrans, in May and October, for cattle. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners (Rev. Henry B. Bullocke, lessee) and G. F. Enys, esq., are lords of the Manor. The chief landowners are the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, F. G. Enys. esq., Richard Pendarves Johns, esq., The Duke of Cornwall, and J. G. Cregoe, esq. The soil is light shallow, and fine earth; subsoil, killas with elvan dykes. The chief crops are wheat, oats, barley, turnips and grass. The area is 2,870 acres, of which 215 are water; gross estimated rental. £4,851; rateable value, £4,331, and the population 1871 was 954.
Letters through Grampound. Porthscatho is the nearest money order office.
Insurance Agent - Sun Fire, W. H. Webb
National School, R. Sargent, master; Miss M. T. Penver, mistress
Trewithian and Porthscatho are villages; the latter, the largest in the parish, is pleasantly situated at the southern extremity of Gerrans Bay, and about half a mile below the church. The pilchard and mackarel fishery is carried on to a small extent here, and it is frequented as a watering place in the summer season. There is a chapel for Independents, also a reading room, supported by subscription.
POST & MONEY ORDER & TELEGRAPH OFFICE, & Post Office Savings Bank, Porthscatho – William Johns, postmaster. Letters through Grampound, arrive at 9.45 a.m. ; dispatched at 2.25 p.m.; sundays at 9.45 a.m.
POST OFFICE, Trewithian – William Snell, postmaster. Letters through Grampound, arrive at 8:50a.m.; dispatched at 3:12 p.m.
WALL LETTER BOX, Gerrans – cleared at 2:30 p.m.; Sundays, at 9:35 a.m.
CARRIER – Butland to Truro, wed. & sat. & to St. Austell, fri
| Gerrans | Portscatho |
|---|---|
|
Hartley Henry, Roseteague Johns Richard Pendarves, Trewince Martin Miss, Curgurrell Scrivener Rev. Frederick Henry Ambrose, LL.D. Rectory Commercial Adams James, Farmer, PolaughanAndain William, blacksmith Ball Samuel, shopkeeper, Trewithian Beard Philippa (Mrs.), toll collector, Gerrans gate Butland Francis, carrier Chapman William, farmer, Trewithian Crego Jane (Mrs.), beer retailr. Passage Dryden Sarah (Miss), school Hicks Richard Peter, farmer, Polendra Hill George, farmer, Tregassick Hugo John Martin, farmer, Treleggan Lobb John, farmer, Tregear Nicholls Henry, farmer, Trewince Olivey James Ryan, farmer, Lanhoose Olivey William, limekiln, Polcarnick Pearce Charles, blacksmith Pearch Philip, grocer & draper Penprage John, farmer, Higher Rosevine Penver Richard, shopkeeper Robins Jeremiah, Trewithian Inn Rosevear Joshua, miller, Polingey Snell William, shoe maker & Postmaster, Trewithian Thomas James, farmer, Tregassa Tucker Catherine Jane (Mrs.) shopkpr Vellenoeth John, farmer, Merrows Wilcocks Charles, farmer, Rosevine Williams Richard, farmer, Lanhoose |
Best Joseph Augustus James Isaiah, Cliff Cottage May Capt. Thomas Odgers William Billing Roberts Martin R.N. Ryan Miss, Hedley house Stanton Josiah Wilcocks Henry D Commercial Bosisto Russell, Cliff InnCock William, tailor Johns William, carpenter Lane John, officer of coast guard Nicholls Maria (Mrs.), shopkeeper Oxenberry William, Grocer & Draper Oxenberry William Eddy, shopkeeper Peters Edward, Plume of Feathers Peters Grace (Mrs.), shopkeeper Peters Jonathan, farmer Sawle George, master mariner Sawle William Richard, shopkeeper |
West Briton, 6th Dec 1839
On the 12th ult., the Rev. W. Billing, pastor of the little church at Portscatha, who, by his ardent zeal and heavenly spirit, cultivated the moral waste he found in that fishing cove, and, after 15 years of assiduous labour, entered into rest, in the full assurance of hope, regretted, as he was respected, by all who knew him.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 14 February, 1840
GERRANS - In this parish two large bonfires, composed of wood and tar-barrels, were seen blazing at the same time, one at Trewithian and the other at the Church-town; and several barrels of good home-brewed beer were given away to the assembled multitudes at each place, at the expense of the resident gentry and yeomanry.
To Mr. Matthew Courtenay. From Adelaide, South Australia.
Dear Brother,
Ten thousand times I have thought on you since I left Truro, and so often have I
longed for your society and enlightening conversation. I owe much to you
for your support. I am also indebted to a great number of the inhabitants
of Truro for some degree of confidence which they repose in me. I would
not attempt to lessen that debt, by the only way in which I am capable, that is,
simply by its acknowledgement and by conveying some information respecting South
Australia which may be serviceable in assisting to settle the minds of many who
may have some thoughts of leaving their native land. The statements which
I am about to make shall be strictly correct, and therefore I call upon you, I
entreat you as a public man and a friend to the human family, to give them the
utmost publicity. It is necessary that he public should know what to
expect on the voyage, and, if spared, on their arrival in the colony. When
you are put on ship-board, you are with all you have and with all that is put on
board for you, entirely under the control and disposal of the Doctor and the
Captain, so that your every comfort, even life itself, is dependent on the
disposition of those under whose care you are placed; and hence hundreds have
found a watery grave through the unkindness and neglect of those under whose
care they have been placed, It is true you have a scale of rations which
you may think should be the guide of all on board, and the due proportions of
which you may think you may reasonably demand; but when at sea, it is in vain to
urge the fulfilment of the contract between yourself and the Commissioners; you
are told the things are not on board for you and, therefore, it is in vain to
ask for them; and if you had them they would only be luxuries. You may
urge the failure of your nature, the weak state of your family, but it is in
vain. There is a grave deep enough in the ocean; and should you reach the
land with a broken constitution, which has been the lot of many, you will find a
grave there. But it is exceedingly painful to see the things put on board
for you, wantonly consumed by those who feed almost wholly on luxuries; in fact
the emigrants are the subjects of plunder from the forecastle to the cabin, and
if you speak you are often called d…d convict, and treated in the most shameful
way by the sailors. Then the afflictions you may expect on the voyage; few
ships, if any, are free from diseases; some have lost 30 or 40, others a great
many more on the voyage. We were afflicted with typhus fever through which
we lost seven, and one fell overboard and was drowned; we expected to lose a
great many more; three of my family were distressingly ill; we expected the
death of my little boy every moment, but God has spared him. To describe
to you my feelings amidst the groans and cries of the afflicted and dying is
impossible; I would make extracts from my journal to describe my feelings at the
time, but I have not room. Then the funeral – this is shocking, the poor
body sewn up in a sack its form exposed, placed on a plank on the weather
gangway, with a few shot at the feet and then to be interred in the turbulent
fathomless ocean – never shall I forget a funeral at sea. Then your
accommodation when you reach the land of promise. Visited by the agent
appointed, you are told when you are to land; early in the morning you have to
get everything ready and to take your family with you; you have not time to get
breakfast or in the bustle of reaching the harbour you have no rations or water
served out, all hands being so engaged; you may take a little bread with you.
It may happen, as it did with me, that your luggage and family are not to be
taken by the first draw that is going up to town, which is distant seven miles;
the day is far spent, and towards evening your luggage and family are placed on
a bullock drawn, and move onwards towards the square. After some delay and
insolence on the part of the driver you are brought into the midst of some very
poor looking wood huts; you ask what place this is, and you are told this is the
square. At a certain place your luggage is taken, or rather thrown down,
so that your little glass, or whatsoever else you may have is often knocked to
pieces. After selecting what you can find of your things for the night,
you ask where you are to lodge; you are directed to a wood hut; there may be a
casement in the window-place, or there may not; however there is no
chimney for you to burn a little fire, and if there was one it would be of no
use for you for the night; you are now exhausted with hunger and fatigue, your
dear children crying with hunger and cold. You now enter into a place, out
of which perhaps two or three or more of the family have been carried dead,
probably some of the old dirty garments remain; your floor is nothing but the
earth and dust; the smell from the burning of the oil and causes is almost
insufferable. But as it is, it is the only shelter, and you are obliged to
enter, you want something now for your family to make use of; your enquiry is
for a little wood, but you are told by the man who looks after the square, that
there is no wood provided for emigrants, and if he should give it to one he must
give it to all, ….. you may have some tomorrow from the natives, for a little
bread; you ask for a little water …. you are told there is a well in the centre
of the square but the water is brackish ad you cannot drink it; you can get some
from the Torrens but you must go across the country for half or three-quarters
of a mile, and the person thinks it so dark you cannot find it. You at
least want a little light, but you cannot obtain a candle without going to the
city (so called) which is distant about half a mile; a step of the road you are
not acquainted with so that you must sit on your box without fire, light or meat
with a thousand hungry mice and fleas playing around and feeding on you during
the night; whilst the cold, coming in from so many openings, would make your
bones ache; in this place you have no bedstead , nor anything of the kind.
We are served with a week’s rations. On entering the colony you are
pleased with its appearance the loveliness of the country, the largeness and
greenness of the trees has a very imposing appearance and the country too is
really fine; but still there are many drawbacks. And first, I think the
public should know that the statements put forth by the agents at home are not
true, especially as regards the healthfulness of the place. We are subject
to diseases, painful and distressing; I could name many who left Cornwall, who
have found a grave in Australia. I, myself, have had a narrow escape; my
affliction was that of dysentry in its most painful and distressing form; then
there is fever, to which we are subject, and what takes off a great many more is
weakness occasioned by (letter illegible). This, with broken spirits
superinduces disease, and thus many find a premature death. Then with
regard to the abundance of labour this is not true; when we first landed I might
have obtained work with a master-mason, who came out from the neighbourhood of
Bodmin, but as I was engaged by a gentleman on board who came out with us, and
who was about to put up a brick machine worked by steam, I declined the
master-mason’s offer. The wages I obtained was 12s. per day, and 6s. for
my boy; I worked on for about eight weeks, and then was taken ill, which put
myself and boy out of my employ. I was the only mason my master employed;
my illness obliged him to take another tradesmen to carry on his work, which was
nearly finished before my recovery, and therefore his work was closed. On
my recovery, I was anxious to obtain labour for myself and boy, having nothing
scarcely to live on by this time; we went to all the master tradesmen in the
city, and could not obtain one day’s work, and this is the case with many, very
many, tradesmen in the city who have been of some standing here; so that it is
now the eighth week since I have done but one day’s work, and I have travelled
scores of miles in town and country seeking work, but cannot obtain any up to
this time. To give you a proof of the scarcity of work, I have only to say
there are now one hundred and upwards employed on government works to keep them
from starvation and crime receiving only 10s. per week and rations
Now it will take a young man 7s. per week to pay for the dressing of his meat
and bed; and what can a married man do with this? He cannot shove his
family into any hole for less than 8s or 10s per week, so that it would take the
whole of his money in rent and leaving sixpence for the support of his family.
It is all credit in the colony, and there are so many of the leading men
breaking, that there is little or no confidence. Besides, it should be
known that while there are many very honest men here, there are a great many
whose object it is to get money, and money they will get, no matter at whose
expense, their only care is to keep out of the clutch of the law, and they laugh
at you to your face. The master tradesmen say we may have plenty of work,
but there is no money; and how should there be? The colony produces
nothing, every article of consumption is brought from some other colony, and you
have nothing to offer in exchange but money and that, as much as those bringing
in their goods may demand; and there is no alternative, you must have them, that
is their goods, or starve … thus you perceive the colonist has not the means of
employing the labourer and if he employs him, he has not the means of paying him
his wages, the money being taken away as fast as it is brought in. I can
assure you there is a very great want of work amongst all classes if workmen at
this time, I would work at any thing could I find employ. I went
into a quarry last week there were two men at work from Perranwell, who told me
they had not had half work; they then had a hundred load of stones in the
quarry, and might have had as many more if they pleased, but there is no demand
for them. It is truly distressing to be out of employ in this place.
We have a small house for which we pay 26s per week; water costs us 2s. per
week; wood upwards of 3s. per week. But you are ready to ask, cannot you
cut your own wood for your own use? I answer no; the wood standing on the
park grounds you are forbidden to touch while the land beyond that is the
property of gentlemen, it all being bought up, so that you cannot go there; and,
therefore, you cannot have any wood but what is brought you, at a dear rate.
Flour is 9d. per lb; meat 9d per lb; potatoes 3 pence half penny per pound; and
we are told before the close of this week they will be 8d. per lb; butter 2s.2d.
per lb; ad everything else in proportion, so that you cannot live for a trifle.
I thought, previous to my coming out, that I should have a garden and raise
everything of the vegetable kind, but I have now found out my mistake; you
cannot obtain a garden, and those who have had them have not planted them a
second time, so that I have thought they have not been remunerated for their
labour. As to fruit I have not seen a tree bearing fruit since I have been
here; there I no native fruit, nor native anything that is worth the trouble of
taking. I should like, if I was able, to give some faint description of
the splendid city of Adelaide. Talk about streets, indeed we have streets
if the rooting up of trees in a straight line, about fifty feet wide and a mile
long, will constitute streets, then we have plenty of splendid streets.
However, there are two that resemble streets so far as buildings are concerned,
and business is conducted; but even they are almost impassable for a man or
beast. The city is founded on a slimy clayey bottom, and the quantity of
rain that has fallen these tuhree months past has completely saturated the land
and the streets being nothing but this slimy soil, and being the common
throroughfare, they are cut beyond description. I would rather walk from
Truro to St. Agnes, a distance of nine miles, at any given hour of the night,
than walk through Hindley or Cury-Street at the same hour; I believe I could
complete the journey with less difficulty and far less danger. I saw a
flock of sheep stuck fast in the middle of Hindley Street, and neither dogs nor
men could get them out while I was there. But difficult as the voyage is …
rough as your first reception may be ….. painful and lingering as your
afflictions are ….. yet the whole put together is not equal to the
disappointment you feel, and the unhappiness you experience, arising from a want
of employment in a strange land without a friend. All this want of employ
has arisen within this twelve months or less than that time. Any man
professing to be a mason or a carpenter was eagerly sought after, and readily
employed; but the tables are turned, and there is scarcely an establishment in
the colony but what are weekly discharging labourers and tradesmen and the
consequence of which is an attempt to lower the wages; and the wages will be
lowered, so that a man and his family, after enduring the difficulties of the
voyage and parting with all that is dear on earth …. relatives and friends, will
be no better off than at home. Though things are in such a state, yet
ships are constantly coming out, bringing our countrymen and country women to
new scenes of sorrow and conflict, while at this time there are hundreds upon
hundreds here more than can find constant employ. A person from Weymouth
told me that a man in Adelaide, coming from that place, sent home, requesting
his father and brothers, all of his family to come out. The consequence
was, one brother took a wife, and landed safely in the land of promise; but, on
their arrival, though want of work, the man and his wife were obliged to be
separated she going into service. There is another thing ….. I would not
recommend any young females to come out on any consideration; the danger and
evils to which they are exposed, both on the voyage and after their arrival, are
many. The natives are peaceable because they are jews, and are not
prepared for war. Some say they are jews, but they are jews no further
than they submit to the right of circumcision, and do not shave. Most
happy should I be to give a very different account of the colony, and to be able
to say to every man of you, come out and better your condition; but this cannot
be done at present. Should any improvement take place, I shall, if I live,
be most happy to convey the pleasing intelligence. I might notice the
situations and prospects of those who, like myself, have left Truro; but I will
not do so, lest I should offend. I will leave every man to tell his own
tale. I can tell you that I often wish, with them, that we were once more
in our native land … no difficulty at home should drive me …. No gilded toy
should allure me. There is one thing favourable to the colony, that is,
the governor is a very good gentleman; he is believed to be pious, as are also
his family. The minister of the episcopal Church appears to be desirous of
doing good; his sermons are excellent. The church is very full, with a
most respectable congregation. The morals of the colony are very bad;
there is a very great want of (torn); there is not the least dependence to be
put in scarcely any one. This is generally acknowledged. The Sabbath
is awfully desecrated …. Shooting, or anything else, which their fancies lead
them to, is eagerly engaged in. I have much more to write but at present I
have not room; but which I shall soon communicate to some friend at home.
I have now some work for about three weeks … began it three days past. I
took it at contract, but the master, after I began it, was afraid that I should
do too well, although it had been put up to public tender, and desired that I
might do it as day work, to which I was obliged to consent And now, my
dear friend, I must conclude, by desiring you to give our kindest regards to all
our Christian friends to the Ministers of the Gospel, the congregation
worshipping with you, and to the thousands in Truro, to whom I feel the
strongest attachment. My heart beats with joy when I think of them, and
cherish the thought of seeing them again; and believe me, though dwelling in the
uttermost part of the earth, I am, as ever, your affectionate brother, James
Sawle. PS. The prospects of the colony are getting worse and worse
every day; those who were thought the richest men in the colony, are now proved
to be worth nothing, so that trade is at a standstill. Do not let any of
my neighbours be deceived by false representations. The “William Mitchell”
is arrived, and will land the emigrants this day. I know not whether
there are any persons from Truro on board. This is the fourth letter I
have written …. One to my dear parents, one to Thomas Crocker and one to Mr
Bath. Let my dear parents know of this.
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The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 5 May, 1843
On Sunday last, the "Elizabeth," MAY, master, of and from Falmouth, with copper ore, for Swansea, put into Penzance with her bows stove and leaky, having been in contact the previous night, about two miles south of the Flagships[?], with the schooner "Catherine," BILLING, master, which vessel sunk immediately - her crew having just time to save themselves by getting on board the "Elizabeth". The "Catherine" was of and for Falmouth from Wales with a cargo of coal, and singularly enough both vessels belonged to the one owner - Mr. MAY, of Gerrans.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 Oct, 1843
Wednesday se'nnight was kept in this parish as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for an abundant harvest, and for the beautiful weather which has been vouchsafed to save it. The day was strictly kept as a holy day, neither man nor horse doing any work; and was commenced by a prayer meeting at the Wesleyan chapel, at half-past six. At half-past ten, the parishioners met at the clerk's house, when the REV. HENRY RODD, accompanied them to the parish church, preceded by music, where he read prayers, and preached a most appropriate sermon, From Psalms ex. 5. After the service, they returned to a spacious barn belonging to MR. CANNING, which was kindly lent, and tastefully decorated for the occasion, where might be seen the whole of the parishioners (except thirteen), seated to a substantial dinner of beef and plum pudding, and a moderate supply of the good old English beverage, beer. The musicians played several enlivening airs during the dinner, and grace before and after dinner was sung. The cloth having been withdrawn, the Rev. H. Rodd, who was the chairman, in a neat speech, congratulated the meeting on the many happy countenances present,- minister and people, the employer and employed, old and young,- all being seated together as one family, and uniting in one spirit Shortly afterwards Mr. WOMERSLY addressed the company in a powerful and animated manner; and after separating for about an hour, they met again in the barn, when the REV. H. DANIELLS, Wesleyan minister, delivered an impressive discourse, at the conclusion of which MR. CANNING proposed, and Mr. LAWRY seconded, a vote of thanks to the Rev. H. Rodd, Mrs. Rodd, and MISS SPRY, who subscribed most handsomely towards the entertainment. The motion was carried by acclamation. Too great praise cannot be given to the Rev. H. Rodd, who suggested and directed the proceedings, and whose kindness and affability on the occasion produced a deep impression on the whole meeting. The general good feeling, it is hoped, will not pass off with the day. Some of the great parishes might learn a useful lesson from the unanimity which prevailed in the little parish of St. Anthony.
The West Briton 10th May 1844
On Saturday last, as Mr. GEORGE JOHNS, of Merras, in the parish of Gerrans, was ploughing in one of his fields, his plough came in contact with a large flat stone, on removing which he discovered an earthen pot, which proved to be full of human bones, the greater part of which went to dust on being exposed to the air. ......................................
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 25 October, 1844
On Tuesday last, a house adjoining the farm-house at the Barton of Place, occupied by Mr. JAMES LAWRY, one room of which is used as a back-kitchen, caught fire, in consequence, it is supposed of melting down a fat sheep, which had fallen over the cliff the night before. In a few minutes after the fire was discovered, the house was in a blaze, and all the efforts of the parties present were immediately directed to saving the dwelling house, by making a division in the roof, and keeping up an almost constant stream of water from the pump and horse-pond, which fortunately succeeded. There was a numerous attendance of people, who exerted themselves to the utmost; and the conduct of Lieut HARRIS, R.N., and several of the coast guard, was most praiseworthy. If the dwelling-house had caught, all the extensive premises, corn, hay, &c., would probably have been destroyed. The loss may be estimated at the probable amount of £150.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 15 November, 1844
On Friday last, a meeting of the inhabitants of Roseland was held at Trewithian in Gerrans, to memorialize the Board of Trade to the effect, that if the contemplated railway through Cornwall is accomplished, the Falmouth harbour terminus should be located at St. Just Pool, or at some point on the eastern shores of the harbour. The chair was taken by J. PENHALLOW PETERS, Esq., who, in a brief but appropriate address, explained the object of the meeting, which was, to direct the attention of government to the eligibility of St. Just Pool as a terminus, and to the advantages that would be derived by it in the event of war. Mr. BOYNE, previous to offering any observations on the subject of the meeting, read some notes of apology for non-attendance from different gentlemen. One was from RICHARD THOMAS, Esq., the surveyor, who expressed himself strongly in favour of St. Just Pool as a government station; another was from the Rev. HENRY RODD, who was unable to attend, and who conveyed his best wishes, and his full conviction of the utility of the object of the meeting; and third was from RICHARD JOHNS, Esq., of Trewince, who, although not able to be present, sent his full approval of the measure, and his wishes for its accomplishment. Mr. Boyne then proceeded to call the attention of the assembly to the purpose for which they were met. It was notorious that the eastern harbour of Falmouth had been too long neglected, and other places less suitable for public purposes had flourished at its expense. They were not met there to-day to memorialise for their own benefit solely, they were not there as supplicants for individual and partial favours, they were in a position to take higher ground, they were advocating great national interests which existed on their shores. They invited the attention of the government to the important object of having a railway terminus of St. Just Pool, not in muddy waters, or in mud cut channels, and in an artificial basin; but, in a natural dock, formed in deep water, always comparatively smooth, in a landlocked position, where there was shelter, safety, ample room, easy ingress and egress at all times of tide, and with every wind, - a shortening of the distance from Exeter, little expense in fitting it up for all purposes, and in short, every suppliance that was needful, as a convenient place of rendezvous for men of war, packets, and merchant ships. They were assembled to-day, not to put forth expensive and doubtful speculations, but to recommend a safe, accessible, and cheap station for either naval, postal, or commercial purposes. They stood there to vindicate Falmouth harbour; to draw aside the murky curtain which had so long obscured it; to disabuse the public mind of the prejudice that had so unfairly been impressed on it; to call the attention of the State, and of the merchants of England, to the capabilities and conveniences (not of the turbid and shallow waters of Penryn creek), but of the real harbour of Falmouth, extending four miles to the eastward of that town, including Carrick Roads, St. Just Pool, and a fine expense of water forming the most spacious and commodious estuary in the British Channel. Their proposal rested on no doubtful and abstract points of argument, - they required no special pleading to uphold it; - it was based on facts, and borne out by the opinions of competent naval authorities. Their case was based upon facts, and they challenged the county to contradict them. They were fortified by the truth, and the utility of their proposal and whatever weight of interest might be unjustly poised against them, or what ever obstacles certain influences might attempt to throw in their way, they would be stimulated to perseverance, conscious of the rectitude of their motives, the correctness of their proceedings, the prospect of achieving a public good, and in full dependence on the verity and infallibility of the ancient maxim, “that truth is great and must prevail.” Several resolutions were then proposed and seconded, and unanimously adopted. Lieut. W. JAMES, R.N., in proposing one of these resolutions, gave a very graphical description of the advantages of Carrick Roads and St. Just Pool, the depth of water, the nature of the ground, and the safety to ships, which he had himself experienced in heavy gales of wind. He gave the meeting much interesting information on the conveniences of the spot, and delineated nautically the advantages which would accrue to government particularly in time of war, by having a terminus at this commodious anchoring ground so close to the shore. After some observations from Mr. J. P. PETERS, jun., and some other gentlemen, a memorial was read and approved of by the meeting, and it was agreed that one copy should be sent to the Board of Trade, and others to the Lords of the Treasury, and the Admiralty; and that a communication should be made to the Directors of some of the Great Railway companies. For carrying out the purposes of the meeting, a committee was appointed of six gentlemen, to correspond with the various public authorities, and to report their results to another aggregate meeting to be held about the period of the reassembling of Parliament. Thanks were then voted to Mr. PETERS, for his conduct in the chair, and to Mr. M. G. CREGOE, for the use of his spacious barn, after which the meeting broke up. The above meeting took no part in the contest now existing in the county on the particular line of railway. They agreed to observe a perfect neutrality on this point, and leave the choice to the wisdom and discretion of the county.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 23 March, 1849
On Saturday the 17th instant, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new chancel of the Church of St. Anthony in Roseland, took place in the presence of SIR S. T. SPRY, the high sheriff of the county, who is the patron of the benefice; accompanied by the REV. C. W. CARLYON and others interested in the proceedings of the day. The stone was laid by MISS CARLYON, of Tregrehan. The series of coins of the present reign were deposited in a cavity in the corner stone. The builder having prepared the mortar, it was spread over the stone by Miss Carlyon, with a handsome silver trowel presented to her by her uncle, Sir Samuel Spry. And the stone having been lowered into its place, the ceremony was concluded in the usual manner. All present then congratulated Sir Samuel on his auspicious commencement of a work destined to effect the restoration of a sacred edifice of such interesting antiquity to its original much admired character. The church is cruciform in plan. The tower which formerly stood at the junction of the nave, transepts and chancel, fell down rather more than a century ago, and in its fall destroyed the chancel, from which time a saying has prevailed in the parish: "St. Anthony Church, in the shape of a T, The parson doth preach in the belfry."
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 13 April, 1849
PARISH OF GERRANS - A contested election for a Guardian for the parish of Gerrans took place between Mr. E. H. HILL and Mr. C. FERRIL, at the Board Room, Truro, last week. Mr. Hill having had much experience in the guardianship for this parish, is considered a very able person for the office. The number of votes for Mr. Hill was 57, and for Mr. Ferril, 21; majority for Mr. Hill 36.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 11 May, 1849
GERRANS CHURCH - This church being in a dilapidated condition, it was determined to rebuild the two aisles and the chancel, the estimated cost of which is about £1,000. Towards this sum the parish has voted a rate of £350, and the remaining £650 has been collected from public and private sources. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on Thursday the 26th ult., by Mr. ENYS, of Enys.
An inhabitant of Mevagissey, who had recently taken refuge here from the cholera, was attacked with it, suddenly, on Monday week. MR. BOYNE was sent for and found him in a very solitary and destitute condition, in a cottage entirely alone, all the inmates having fled, being overcome by alarm. Considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining personal aid, or any of the necessary requisites to resist the malady; these, however, were at last procured, and by a persevering and industrious application of medical agency, the disease was overcome, and the young man is now restored to health. There is every hope, that as this occurred in a detached cottage, it will prove an isolated case only, and not interfere with the general health of Roseland, which is at present perfectly free from any epidemic.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 18th November, 1853
At Portscatha, in the parish of Gerrans, on Friday last, the Rev. William JAMES, independent Minister. In the limited sphere of his exertions Mr. James was highly valued. Arrogating nothing, he proved himself a genuine imitator of the apostles. Without vanity or pretension he pursued his duties successfully. He relinquished his comforts, he impaired his health, and he seemed to enjoy but one luxury in this life - that of conveying divine truth over the threshold of the cottager's door, and importing instruction and peach to the lowly and ignorant. He commingled with the spiritually needy and destitute, and was the harbinger of truth, where it had been unknown. Poor in every thing but the spirit of religion, he diffused the light of the gospel, and penetrated the darkness that obscured the minds of many thankful hearts. His advent to their dwellings was truly apostolic in its character, he was the messenger of grace, and he moulded many types and impressions on their minds, that will record his matchless zeal and sincerity in the cause in which he was engaged, and in which he shone with a light that was seen from afar. He was universally beloved; in the chapel, in the school, by the road side, or at the sick man's couch, he became entwined around the best affections of the people.
"Ev'n children followed with endearing wile, And plucked his gown, to gain the good man's smile"
In his pulpit he was modest, diffident, and plain; as persuasion is the essence of oratory, heartlessly put forth the forcible eloquence of truth unadorned, and carried his hearers with him. He is now removed from his useful labours; he is gone to reap the reward of his faithful services in a sacred cause;- he has well discharged the fearful responsibilities of his office. He is lifted from a fervent disciple to a more exalted state of being. The gracious share of his virtues will remain in the breasts of his followers. They will ponder in reviewing his unpretending usefulness. But their poignant grief will receive mitigation in the balmy recollection, that no blot, no inconsistency ever tarnished his fame, his devout and undeviating solicitude was ever directed to their future welfare. He departed in the soothing calm of pious resignation. 'He had allured to better worlds, he now led the way.' His memory will be long cherished, and his example handed down for imitation in the favoured locality of his labours.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 5 January 1855
On Monday last, SIR SAMUEL SPRY gave his tenants and their friends at St. Anthony a coursing over that parish. The day was fine, and the sport excellent. Hares were in abundance, but owing to not having a sufficient number of dogs, not so many hares were bagged as on former occasions. After the fatigue of the day, the party retired to the Fountain Inn, at St. Mawes, where Sir Samuel had ordered a dinner to be provided for them all, at which more than thirty persons sat down, under the presidency of MR. CHILCOTT.The London Gazette, 17th March 1870
COUNTY COURTS’ EQUITABLE JURISDICTION.
PURSUANT to an Order of the County Court of Cornwall, holden at Truro, made in a suit Richard Stodden,
Thomas Stodden, Thomas Peters, William Snell, William Lewarne, Mark Truran, Stephen Crewse, and William Jane,
on behalf of themselves, and all others, who, on the 5th day of April, 1869, were members of the Roseland Friendly
Society for the benefit of the Sick Widows and Widowers, except the defendants hereto, against Thomas Jennings,
John Sawle, James Lampshire, Richard Penver, Josiah Stanton, Thomas Sawle, William Penver, Robert Varker,
Charles Pearce, and William Henry Snell. The Society or Partnership known as the Roseland Friendly Society
in the plaint mentioned is declared to be dissolved, as from the 7th day of January, 1870, and the plaintiffs
and defendants and the creditors of or claimants against the said Society are, on or before the
30th day of March, 1870, to send by post, prepaid, to the Registrar of the County Court of Cornwall,
holden at Truro, their Christian and surnames, addresses and descriptions, the full particulars
of their claims, a statement of their accounts, and the nature of the securities (if any) held by them.
In default thereof they may be excluded from any benefit in the said partnership estate. Every creditor
holding any security is to produce or transmit the same to the Registrar aforesaid, on or before the
7th day of April, 1870, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, being the time appointed for adjudicating
upon the claims, and taking the other accounts mentioned in the said Order.—Dated this 17th day of March, 1870.
J. G. CHILCOTT, Registrar
Original image at: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/23600/pages/1854
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 1 July, 1887, Thursday
Truro - Portscatho - "Brighton of the West" is the name given to this place by an ancient visitor, and very appropriate it seems to be. During the last few years Portscatho has rapidly developed, and is now becoming a fashionable watering-place. The old visitors are constantly returning, and there are numerous inquiries for lodgings, which, unfortunately, in many instances, owing to the limited number of houses, cannot be supplied. Excursionists are almost daily arriving by steamers and brakes (in addition to the daily excursion by St. Mawes Steam Packet Company). The beautiful steamer "Eagle" called on Thursday with an excursion party for her crew are known to be so inviting that a goodly number from here embraced the opportunity, and were delighted with the trip.
Another entry in the West Briton on 18th August 1887 reads: Portscatho – A correspondent writes: - There has been one continuous stream of visitors here during the past few weeks. The surrounding hills and dales, and the beautiful ocean with its sandy beaches and safe bathing, and the peace and quietness to be obtained have all contributed to draw strangers to this lovely spot.
Then again on 15th Sept: Capt. Benny (steamer "New Resolute") and his party paid their annual visit to Portscatho on Monday last. The beach and rocks were crowded with excursionists, and all seemed delighted with their day's outing.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 4 August, 1887, Thursday
Additional Burial Ground For St. Gerrans – The interesting ceremony of the consecration of the additional burial burial ground presented to the parish of St. Gerrans by Mr. F. Enys, of Enys, took place on Saturday. At three o'clock in the afternoon a procession of proprietors and clergy conducted the Bishop to the church. Prayers were said by the Rev. R. Blackmore, vicar of Merther, and the lesson was read by the rector, Rev. J.A. Leakey. His Lordship gave a most impressive address, urging the importance, even by children, of the reverent care of the churchyard. To treat the grave, even of strangers, lightly was a breach of our duty to our neighbour. The Bishop enlarged on the great help it is to a bishop in his work to know himself upheld by the work going on in all the parishes of his diocese and by the prayers of God's people, and concluded by dwelling on the solemnity of the occasion – as impressing the shortness of life, and the nearness of the eternal state, although it were a mistake to suppose that preparation for dying is the Christian's object. That object was the personal coming of our Lord, and the consecration of a burial ground was a testimony to our belief that our bodies were there placed to await that coming of the Lord. The consecration was then completed in the new ground. The Bishop was seated in canopy, and attended by Rev. Mr. Kempe, as chaplain. The petition was presented by the churchwardens, Messrs. Charman and S. Lobb, after which the deeds were signed by the Bishop and attended by two clergymen acting for the Chancellor, Revs. L.M. Peter and C.W. Carlyon. The expenses have been defrayed by donations from proprietors in the parish, including H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall, Lord Falmouth, the Commissioners, and Admiralty, and by a voluntary rate assessed on occupiers.
The Royal Cornwall Gazette, Fri 16th Sep 1887
A movement is now on foot to provide efficient lights for our streets. The nucleus of the fund was formed by the proceeds of a concert given by the visitors and a committee has been formed to collect subscriptions and carry out the work. Last Thursday one lamp, supplied by Messrs Bullen Bros, Truro was lighted to demonstrate the effect, and general satisfaction has been expressed at the efficiency of the lamp. Subscriptions, we are pleased to learn, are rapidly coming in, and it is hoped that by the end of the week the committee will be in a position to order the lamps required to properly light the streets. The inhabitants of the place are greatly indebted to the promoters of the concert for thus giving the start to a much needed improvement.
The Royal Cornwall Gazette, Fri 23rd Sep 1887
The committee appointed to consider the question of lighting the streets met on Monday evening and decided that the various avenues and wards leading into the town shall be lighted during the winter and orders have been given for the erection of the necessary lamp-posts without delay. Everybody seems actuated with a desire to render the improvement perfect, and the appeal for subscriptions has been most liberally responded to. The beauty of the surrounding places and the safety afforded to bathers make Portscatho one of the best watering places on the Cornish coasts and now that the streets will be lighted on dark evenings it is hoped that tourists and others will be induced to prolong their stay.
The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 3 December, 1887
A very successful concert for the benefit of this institution took place on Friday last. The ladies of Trewince, Tregama, and Trewithian House, assisted with solos, duets, glees, and pianoforte pieces. The great feature of the evening was the exceptionally fine singing of Mr. S. D. Emmett, of St. Mawes; his powerful yet sweet voice was heard to great advantage in four songs, and “The Village Blacksmith” and Cowen’s “Reaper and Flowers” were delivered with such power and pathos that they received well-merited encores and rapturous applause. Miss Salisbury Vyvyan did not appear, being away in the north.
The Royal Cornwall Gazette, Fri 27th Jan 1887
Great excitement prevailed at Portscatho on Friday last, when numbers of barrels of wine lined the shore. Everyone who could launched their boats and by evening there were 22 barrels in the General Officer’s possession. No less than 2,600 gallons of wine are safely stored.
© Bill O'Reilly 2005
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