Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record

19/06/2026

09/06/2026

One of our favourite things about the Manorial Maps project is getting to see all of the wonderful & interesting illustrations, from tiny gates in the hedge to larger pieces of art like this!

It’s ! 🥳🗺️ Whilst cleaning and preparing the maps for scanning we came across this beautiful sketch map for lands in the manor of Bodinnick, in the parish of Lanteglos by Fowey, dated around 1812.

The pen and ink sketch is entitled “Merrifield opposite to Colvethick Wood” and annotated to say: “This Sketch shows how Colvethick Wood appears in view from near Merrifield by Mixtow Lime Kilns”.

The plan shows Bodinnick Passage, Castle Hays, Yeate, Merrifield, The Polroses, Whitacross, Trevedda, Henwood Common, Castle, North Lombard and South Lombard, Pill Head Park, Two Polroses, Fowey River, Beale's, Mark's, Hunkyn's Tenements, Lawhippett and Townsfloor. The field plots are numbered, and it includes a key to the plan listing acreages, field names, valuation and the tenements each parcel formerly belonged to.

The manor itself had belonged to the Fitz-William family in the reign of Henry II, and until the early part of the fourteenth century. It then transferred to the Mohun family by a marriage between an heiress of the Fitz-William family and Sir Reginald Mohun. It was later bought by Thomas Pitt, Esq, and was then purchased by the Grenvilles.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

We had a great time showing our work experience students around Redruth!

Last week we welcomed a year 12 student at Kresen Kernow for work experience.

Here’s what he discovered and explored during his time here:

My name is Alfred and I’ve spent a week at the Archives and Cornish Studies Service, Kresen Kernow, as year 12 work experience student, learning about the rich history of the local area and how it is preserved.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit sites like Wheal Peevor with guidance from the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site team and see the beauty of the wildlife at these historic locations with the Cornwall National Landscape team.

Fun fact: Wheal Peevor is one of only a few mines that still has all three of its engine houses! 🤩

I’ve been shown the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record and all the work that goes into online mapping of these important sites for Cornish heritage. I’ve also been lucky enough to go out into Redruth with the team and explore what historic sites look like today. There may have once been a medieval market house where the tin miner statue now stands, in the middle of Redruth!

The Kresen Kernow library team have helped me explore the mining heritage of Cornwall and Redruth through publications, and I’ve had the chance to explore the original archive collections and learn how they are organised and protected with the Kresen Kernow archive team.

I’ve created a mini display case highlighting some mining finds, come and take a look at the reception desk.

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

It’s Manorial Monday! 🥳 Today we’re highlighting this colourful map of the manor of Boswednack and Treen within the parish of Zennor. The original map was drawn by Charles Moody around 1780, but it was then copied by Henry Bodilly, a clerk in the office of Nicholas Whitley.

The manor belonged to the Arundell family and its descendants until it became the property of Davies Gilbert Esquire. It’s not only visually beautiful, but shows lots of information about land use including mine shafts, chapel well ruins, boundaries, burrows and medieval strip field systems.

We also enjoy thinking about the historic place names, such as ‘Bos’ meaning dwelling, and ‘Treen’ (Trethyn or Trethene), meaning farm by the fort or stronghold.

27/05/2026

Did you watch the new series of Who Do You Think You Are on BBC One last night? If so, you may have spotted a familiar building! 🤩

Yes – broadcaster and presenter Zoe Ball came down to Cornwall and visited Kresen Kernow to discover more about her ancestors from Camborne.

You can catch up on the episode on BBC iPlayer right now!

The show is made by , with Linkline Sound Recordist Martin Evanson and Camera Operator Robin Kay who were part of the amazing crew on this series. Explore Your Archive

26/05/2026

21/05/2026

The Strategic Historic Environment team were really pleased to have gotten to work with students from Truro and Penwith College as part of their work experience.

The students presented ideas on how young people could become more engaged with the subject of Cornish Distinctiveness.

They did an amazing job, and you can see their work here: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/cornish-distinctiveness/news_feed/truro-college-student-input-project

A huge well done to them all from all of us!

19/05/2026

We're Recruiting: Historic Sites Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to help care for and shape the future of some of Cornwall’s most important historic places.

From hillforts and standing stones to engine houses and ancient landscapes, Cornwall Heritage Trust now cares for 20 historic sites across Cornwall. We are also about to take on the ownership of a Georgian Country House and have plans to acquire two further historic sites this year.

We’re looking for a strategic and passionate Historic Sites Manager to lead the care, protection and development of these extraordinary places, balancing archaeology, ecology, public access and community engagement.

Based at Krowji, Redruth, with regular visits to sites across Cornwall
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term contract: 2 years
Salary: £36,621

You’ll lead our growing sites team, oversee conservation and management plans, develop partnerships and projects, and help ensure Cornwall’s heritage remains accessible and protected for generations to come.

If you’re passionate about heritage, landscapes, conservation and connecting communities with historic places, we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline for applications: Midday, Monday 15th June 2026
Interviews: Thursday 25th June 2026

For full details and to download the application form and job description, visit: https://buff.ly/Q8mdNlA