The tiny harbour hamlet of Polkerris stands on the eastern side of St Austell Bay. Today, a picturesque place to spend time relaxing but in former times Polkerris has been the scene for many a shipwreck including the Capitaine Remy who was beached 300 metres off the coast here.
The hamlet and much of the land around is owned by the Rashleigh family, whose residence at nearby Menabilly was the Manderley of Daphne Du Maurier's novel, Rebecca. One of the Rashleigh family's most famous sons is the famous Cornish mineralogist, Philip Rashleigh, whose stunning collections of Cornish minerals can be seen the Royal Institution of Cornwall Museum in Truro
In the 1800s, Polkerris was a busy, thriving fishing port with over 200 people engaged in the task of curing and packing the pilchards. A lifeboat was stationed here until 1922. Prior to 1859, the coastguard would launch their rescue galley from here to go to the aid of foundering vessels.
Other points of interest include the lime kiln on the quay which was built by Philip Rashleigh, in the late 18th century, to burn limestone and produce lime for conditioning the soil for local farmers.
Parking is available.
Location:
Located in mid Cornwall.
IntoCornwall Area Map: St Austell-Fowey Area Map
Accessed from the A3082 road between Par and Fowey and then follow the minor road.
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