Sunday 20 September 2015

Wheal Coates - Exploring Poldark's Cornwall


I recently visited the beautiful village of St Agnes on the north-west coast of Cornwall and found myself endlessly inspired by the coastal views and in particular, the abandoned tin mines, which signify Cornwall's rich mining heritage.


We stayed near Trevaunance Cove and took advantage of the spectacular South West Coast Path, which covers 630 miles of coastal paths.

Along the path is the group of abandoned buildings that make up Wheal Coates, a mine begun in the early nineteenth-century. Below is Towanroath Engine House built in 1872, an impressive structure used to pump water from the Towanroath shaft.

 


I've been reading the Poldark books by Winston Graham since the first episode of the new tv series aired in March on the BBC. That series was based on the books Ross Poldark (book 1) and Demelza (book 2). When in Cornwall I finished the twelfth book of the series. They are beautifully written, thoroughly engaging and full of those often heartbreaking moments of cause and consequence where seemingly unrelated events have diabolical consequences for the title characters, their friends and neighbours. There are also some excellent baddies namely George Warleggan and Osborne Whitworth and I have almost missed my tube stop more than once because I was so engrossed with their general chicanery and misdeeds! The Cornish landscape is described in great detail by Winston Graham and it is easy to see why he was inspired by the scenery.


If you have been inspired to find out more about St Agnes, there is an informative website dedicated to the village and its surrounding area here.