The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project

UNLOCKING THE PAST IN THE TAMAR VALLEY

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

The Tamar Valley AONB team need your help to unlock the story of Newquay, on the river Tamar near Morwellham.

As part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project’s oral history research, information is being sought on the rise and fall of the village of Newquay.

Vanni Cook, one of the oral history researchers, explains what is known so far; “The Duke of Bedford’s farmers used the village in the 18th century, when there was only a small storage shed. Over time, the quay space was enlarged to cope with the surplus copper ore produced by the Devon Great Consols mine. The result was that a village grew up on the site with its own postal address, inn and quay overseer. Unfortunately, by the 1960s, the village was no longer inhabited”.

Does anyone have any information about the last generation of families who lived at Newquay that they would like to share with us? Or do you have any other information on the village?

Please contact Vanni Cook or Jo Lewis on 01822 615610, or email info@tamarvalley.org.uk.

Notes to Editor;

  • The main aim of the Tamar Valley AONB Service is to protect and enhance the landscape of this special area.
  • It is a partnership of Cornwall and Devon County Councils, Caradon, South Hams and North Cornwall District Councils, West Devon Borough Council, Plymouth City Council and Natural England.
  • The Service supports the work of the Tamar Valley Partnership – a forum of government and non-government bodies working for the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • For further details please contact Charlotte Maunder (Information & Communications Officer) on 01579 351163.