Lamorna

Lamorna Cove

Mill Near Lamorna Cove

Towns and Villages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Lamorna Cove from the Air

Lamorna Cove and the valley which lead to it are the subject of a Cornish folk song called 'Lamorna'. Many visitors have been captivated by this beautiful place and have gone 'away down to Lamorna'.

One of these visitors was the artist Samuel John Birch R.A., who, in the late 19th century, formed such an attachment to Lamorna , that he added it to his name and became notable for his works under the title 'Lamorna Birch'. Birch settled in Cornwall in 1902 and many of his best works are associated with this area. Stanhope Forbes, of the well known Newlyn School of Art, suggested the nickname for Birch to distinguish him from another artist who was working in the area, Lionel Birch.

Lamorna in History

In the lush valley a tumbling stream makes its way to the sea through a dense tangle of twisted trees. Hidden away in the trees in the upper part of the valley are the picturesque remains of Lamorna Mill (also known as Kemyell or Bossava Mill). This water mill ceased to operate as such in 1919 but it still retains many of its orginal features and is of great interest. Already in operation by 1300, certain features of its design suggest a possible Norse origin.

There are the ruins of another water mill close to this one and Nanstewas Mill was also sited here but it has long since disappeared. Perhaps the stone was reclaimed and re-used by the Manor of Rosmodress, who were responsible for its construction in the mid 15th century.

The name, Lamorna, is believed to derive from the Cornish word Nansmornow, meaning the valley of 'Mornow'. Whether the name Mornow was the name of a landowner or the name of the stream is not known but the name appeared as early as the beginning of the 14th century.

General Information

There is an excellent range of accommodation available in the area.

Location:
Located on the South coast of Cornwall between Mousehole and Porthcurno.

IntoCornwall Area Map: Land's End Peninsula

Road directions to Lamorna

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Lamorna

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