Classic Cottages has once again pledged support to Cornwall’s rich and distinct heritage by renewing its top-level membership of Cornwall Heritage Trust’s ‘Heritage Heroes’ business sponsorship programme.
Cornwall Heritage Trust is an independent charity that cares for 20 historic sites across Cornwall, ensuring they are archaeologically protected, ecologically improved, and freely accessible to everyone. It also hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these places and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
The charity’s ‘Heritage Heroes’ programme supports this work to rescue at-risk monuments, protect endangered historic landscapes and give everyone access to Cornwall’s heritage.
Cornwall Heritage Trust Fundraising Officer, Antonia Mullaly, said: “Our ‘Heritage Heroes’ make a huge difference to the reach and impact of our charitable work, and we’re hugely grateful for Classic Cottage’s continued support! By supporting the programme, they are helping safeguard the futures of irreplaceable monuments and landscapes and investing in Cornwall’s culture, communities and landscapes.”
We are thrilled to announce that our independent charity is now caring for a former 19th-century engine house on Bodmin Moor, which in the 1990s was partially restored as a heritage centre for the surrounding area.
Cornwall Heritage Trust has taken ownership of Houseman’s Engine House – part of the 19th-century South Phoenix mine complex, which was transformed into Minions Heritage Centre in the 1990s. The centre closed in early 2020 and the building is not currently open to the public.
The site has been transferred to the charity from Cornwall Council.
Founded in 1985, the Trust protects historic places across Cornwall, which are all free for the general public to visit. It hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these heritage sites and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
Houseman’s Engine House was likely constructed in 1881 and named in honour of the Company Chairman at the time. It sat over Houseman’s Shaft and was built for the last big pumping engine made in Cornwall. This was fabricated at Holman’s Foundry in Camborne.
The mine survived for longer than many of its neighbours but, by 1898, it was abandoned and the equipment sold for scrap and most of the buildings demolished.
The engine house was purchased and restored by Caradon District Council in the 1990s as part of the Minions area heritage project. The project saw the building transformed into Minions Heritage Centre, a free-to-visit exhibition about the history, archaeology and ecology of the surrounding area. The centre was closed in early 2020.
In 2024, Cornwall Heritage Trust undertook a project in conjunction with Cornwall Council to establish solutions to issues with the building, which could potentially result in the reopening of this invaluable community space and visitor attraction.
Community Consultation
Now that the charity has taken ownership of the site, it will be hosting a community consultation day on Tuesday 3rd March from 1–3.30pm.
Due to the current closure of Linkinhorne Parish Hall, the consultation will take place at Darite Village Hall, Darite, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5JH. A second consultation will take place later this year within Linkinhorne Parish.
The consultation is not only an opportunity for the local community to meet the charity’s team, but also to offer ideas and suggestions for the future of the site, as well as information on its history and place in the local community.
The charity has already met with the local councillor and reached out to the parish council. It will continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders throughout this process.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Moira Tangye at the age of 90.
Moira was a founder member of Cornwall Heritage Trust and Chairman between 1991 and 1994. She became Honorary Life Vice President in 1995 in recognition of her support for the Trust and continued as a trustee until she retired in 2009.
A Bard of the Gorsedh, Moira was well known for her work on Cornish miners and the wider story of Cornish migration overseas. She was a contributor to the Cornish Global Migration Project (CGMP), an initiative of Redruth 2000 that documents Cornish miners and migrants around the world.
Through her marriage to the writer, Nigel Tangye, her association with Newquay and the north coast of Cornwall spanned more than sixty years.
She was a member of organisations such as the Cornwall Family History Society, and actively supported charities connected to Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease after friends were affected. After Nigel’s death, she carefully preserved the Tangye family archives and went on to write her own book on the history of St Ervan Parish.
Her commitment to Cornwall and contribution to the protection of its unique heritage were huge. She will be much missed and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Her funeral will be held on Friday 20th February 2026 at 10.30am at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Newquay, and all are welcome to attend.
Image description – Moira planting trees at Trewince in 1992 as part of a CHT fundraiser
Cornwall Heritage Trust hosted a special event to encourage heritage sector collaboration last week in celebration of its 40th anniversary year.
The independent charity’s Progress and Pathways Day was hosted at Kresen Kernow, Cornwall’s archive centre, and was sponsored by Poynton Bradbury, trusted specialists in architecture and conservation.
Bringing together leaders and key decision-makers from across the heritage sector, the event aimed to spark meaningful conversations about collaboration, including how heritage organisations, partners and businesses can work together to support Cornish heritage into the future.
The day was part of a packed calendar of events which celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary.
It included a wide variety of talks and activities, including…
- A look back over the last 40 years of Cornwall Heritage Trust’s charitable work with Cathy Woolcock, CEO. This explored the charity’s strong legacy of protecting Cornwall’s past and its ambitious plans to broaden reach, deepen community impact and strengthen the future of Cornwall’s heritage.
- An insight into training and apprenticeships with James Shipway, the charity’s recently-qualified Countryside Ranger and leader of its Young Rangers climate action group. 2025 was an exciting year for James, seeing him graduate from his Level 4 Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship with flying colours and being named as ‘Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year’ at Bridgwater and Taunton College.
- A deep dive into the collaborative work undertaken between Cornwall Heritage Trust and Kresen Kernow, which resulted in the Pobel ha Leow / People and Places exhibition. The exhibition, which runs until February 2026, delves into the Kresen Kernow Collection and the archive of Cornwall Heritage Trust to explore the varied roles that the sites in the charity’s care have played for Cornwall’s communities over time.
- An exploration of adapting heritage assets for the future with Poynton Bradbury Architects. Drawing on 50 years of experience working with some of Cornwall’s most significant sites, this explored a wide range of topics, including access and inclusion, responding to the climate crisis, reuse and transformation, use of local materials, community identity and the importance of context and setting.
- A reflection on the challenges and opportunities for the Cornish heritage sector from Ann Reynolds, Cornwall Council Strategic Historic Environment Senior Officer.
Cornwall Heritage Trust Engagement Manager, Sophie Meyer, said: “From the cost of living crisis to the impact of climate change, the Cornish heritage sector faces unprecedented challenges right now, and that’s why it’s so important to work together to secure its future and ensure it thrives. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who joined us for the day and to Poynton Bradbury for sponsoring the event. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results of the conversations started here.”
Laura Highton, RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect and Poynton Bradbury Director, said: “We were delighted to continue our support of Cornwall Heritage Trust through the sponsorship of this event. It was a fascinating afternoon, with a series of enlightening talks and activities that truly engaged the audience with the distinctiveness and special character of Cornwall’s heritage assets. The day encouraged collaboration, mutual support, and the development of skills and training across the sector, while also providing valuable insight into the Trust’s latest projects and achievements.”
This event was sponsored by
The children from Trevisker Primary School stepped back in time at Castle an Dinas (East) during their recent ‘Discovery Workshop’ and we’re thrilled to hear what a wonderful time they had!
Here’s what the students said…
“We had a brilliant time and talking about our school being near an Iron Age site was awesome.”
“Really interesting and used good ways (visuals) for us to understand how it used to look.”
“Liked the bags with the items from the Iron Age.”
Led by our Education and Outreach Manager, Caroline, the day was jam-packed with hands-on learning which included exploring the ancient hillfort, handling artefacts and reimagining the past in this archaeological landscape.
Located on the summit of Castle Downs near St Columb Major, Castle an Dinas is one of Cornwall’s largest and most impressive hillforts. This imposing hilltop monument dates from around the fourth to first centuries BCE.
Hillforts like this are thought to have been a focus for the community, symbols of the wealth and power of the tribe, and a central place for social ceremonies, trade and ritual.
The workshop was provided free of charge as part of our Discovery Workshops Programme. This programme is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
We offer a wide range of free and subsidised workshops at our historic sites as part of our Discovery Programme, and feedback like this shows what inspiring learning experiences they are.
Our on-site workshops are provided to schools, alternative education provision and community groups free of charge. For those struggling with the cost of petrol and vehicle hire, you can also apply for one of our transport grants to support your visit.
Cornish Metals has pledged its support to Cornwall’s landscape, traditions and communities by becoming the ‘Heritage Guardian’ of Caer Bran, a multi-period hilltop site in Penwith which contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.
The Cornish mineral exploration and development company is the second organisation to join Cornwall Heritage Trust’s ‘Heritage Guardian’ Programme.
Located 5 miles west of Penzance, Caer Bran is a multi-period hill-top site which contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods, principally an early Bronze Age hilltop enclosure with ring cairns and an unusually unfinished Iron Age hillfort.
The massive earthworks you can see there today were probably intended to create a gathering place, a status symbol and a defendable fort. However, the work stopped before the western side was complete, and Caer Bran was abandoned.
It was purchased by our charity in 2022 and saved from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2024, thanks to our successful interventions.
It is one of 19 historic sites cared for by Cornwall Heritage Trust – an independent charity which archaeologically protects, ecologically improves and makes freely accessible Cornish heritage for everyone. It also hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these places and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
Cornwall Heritage Trust Fundraising Officer, Antonia Mullaly, said: “Our charity has been protecting and sharing Cornwall’s historic places for the last 40 years, and the support of our ‘Heritage Guardians’ is absolutely vital in helping us continue that work for the next 40 years and many more to come.”
“We’re hugely grateful to Cornish Metals for partnering with us as part of the programme. So many Cornish heritage sites urgently need our help and their support means we can save these places, improve them and share them with Cornish communities. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Cornish Metals CEO, Don Turvey, said: “Becoming a Heritage Guardian of Caer Bran is something we’re extremely proud of. Caer Bran is an important part of Cornwall’s story, and partnering with the Cornwall Heritage Trust allows us to play a meaningful role in safeguarding this special and historic place. Protecting and celebrating Cornwall’s heritage is vital, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting its history, landscapes, and communities for future generations.”
There was much ‘infernal noise’ and merriment at Duloe Stone Circle this week as we awakened our newly planted ‘Avallan Rubi / Ruby Orchard’ from its winter slumber at our Wassail.
The Cornish Wassail dates back beyond the 14th century and is a tradition which aims to encourage a good harvest by waking the apple trees and toasting them with cider.
This event was a collaboration between Cornwall Heritage Trust and Liskeard Old Cornwall Society.
Thank you to everyone who, despite the wet weather, joined us with their musical instruments, pots and pans to scare away any ‘evil spirits’ that may prevent a good harvest this Autumn.
The festivities included a parade and traditional dancing led by Merv and Alison Davey, readings in Cornish and English, and toasting of the apple trees with mugs of cider.
It was rounded off with rousing renditions of the ‘Wassail Chant’ – written by Richard Polwhele 200 years ago – and ‘Trelawny’.
The orchard has recently been planted at the north-east end of the field, where the Duloe Stone Circle stands. We hope it will increase biodiversity on the site, become a focus of local festivities and produce apple crops which our charity will use at our annual Allantide events.
It includes a wide range of Cornish Heritage varieties, including Ben’s Red, Cornish Queen, Manaccan Primrose, Hocking’s Green, Cornish Aromatic, Cornish Pine, Tregonna King and Cornish Gilliflower.
The planting was funded by Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall Programme and Cornwall Community Foundation through the Caradon Area Community Fund.
Feedback like this is what our Discovery Programme is all about!
“I loved going underground – that was my favourite part. No one knows what it’s for!”
“I liked learning how they made flour with the quern stones.”
“I thought the quern stones were prehistoric toilets. So wrong!”
“I liked exploring the stone houses and learning how they used flint for tools.”
“I enjoyed getting to hold the artefacts.”
We’re so pleased to hear how much the children from Tregolls Academy learnt on their recent ‘Discovery Workshop’, exploring two fascinating ancient sites in Penwith – Carn Euny and Caer Bran.
Led by our Education and Outreach Manager, Caroline, it was a busy day of hands-on learning, including exploring the ancient village, handling artefacts and reimagining the past in this archaeological landscape.
Caer Bran is a multi-period hill-top site which contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods, principally an early Bronze Age hilltop enclosure with ring cairns and an unusually unfinished Iron Age hillfort.
Carn Euny is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in the South West. It is a courtyard house settlement of the Iron Age and Romano-British periods and was occupied from about 500 BCE to 400 CE.
Their teachers said…
“The handling objects were a really great [way] to draw together what they had learned, and the activity packs, objects and challenges whilst in the space gave them a focus whilst they explored.”
The workshop was provided free of charge as part of our Discovery Workshops Programme. This programme is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Transport for the trip was funded by our School Transport Grants Scheme. Cornish Lithium is the foundation sponsor for this academic year’s grants.
We offer a wide range of free and subsidised workshops at our historic sites as part of our Discovery Programme, and feedback like this shows what inspiring learning experiences they are.
Our on-site workshops are provided to schools, alternative education provision and community groups free of charge. For those struggling with the cost of petrol and vehicle hire, you can also apply for one of our transport grants to support your visit.
St Eval has pledged its support to Cornwall’s unique and distinct heritage by becoming the ‘Heritage Guardian’ of Castle an Dinas (East), one of Cornwall’s most iconic and important hillforts.
The Cornish artisan candle maker is the first organisation to join Cornwall Heritage Trust’s ‘Heritage Guardian’ Programme.
Located on the summit of Castle Downs near St Columb Major, Castle an Dinas is one of the largest and most impressive hillforts in Cornwall. It dates from around the fourth to first centuries BCE.
Hillforts like this are thought to have been a focus for the community, symbols of the wealth and power of the tribe, and a central place for social ceremonies, trade and ritual.
The monument is mentioned in Cornish legends as one of the seats of the early Dukes of Cornwall and as the place where Cador, Duke of Cornwall and husband of King Arthur’s mother, met his death. The existence of such legends suggests that this site remained important long after its construction.
It is one of 19 historic sites cared for by Cornwall Heritage Trust, which works to ensure Cornish heritage is archaeologically protected, ecologically improved and freely accessible to everyone. The independent charity also hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these places and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
The charity has launched its ‘Heritage Guardian’ Programme to help continue its work to save Cornwall’s historic sites, improve them and share them, free of charge, with the general public.
Cornwall Heritage Trust Fundraising Officer, Antonia Mullaly, said: “The historic sites our team looks after are unique and inspiring green spaces for Cornish people to connect with one another and their shared history. Protecting and sharing these assets with everyone is at the heart of everything we do because, despite how important they are to local communities, many are uncared for and under threat.”
“Joining our ‘Heritage Guardians’ Programme is a fantastic and unique opportunity to support this vital work, offering businesses the chance to make a strategic investment in Cornwall’s culture, communities and landscapes, deliver lasting impact with a trusted charity and demonstrate their corporate social responsibility.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to St Eval for partnering with us. As an independent charity, every penny from business partnerships, memberships, donations and funding really does count so their generosity makes a huge difference to our work. We hope many more businesses will see the benefits of this investment in Cornwall’s heritage and come on board.”
St Eval Executive Director, Ian Greaves, said: “We were delighted to support Cornwall Heritage Trust by sponsoring the magical site of Castle an Dinas, a much-loved landmark just a few miles from our farm. Living and working in the Duchy, we are fortunate to be surrounded by such rich history and heritage, and it is inspiring to see Cornwall Heritage working so passionately to preserve these special places for the future.”
An independent, locally owned and run community referral and emergency practice vets – Beacon VetCare – has partnered with us to give its entire team Cornwall Heritage Trust membership.
“Caroline was brilliant with the children and shared her passion for not only the site but history in general.”
The children from Portreath Primary School enjoyed an incredible time-travelling adventure at their recent ‘Discovery Workshop’, during which they explored Carn Euny and Caer Bran.
Led by our Education and Outreach Manager, Caroline, it was a busy day of hands-on learning, including exploring the ancient village, handling artefacts and reimagining the past in this archaeological landscape.
Caer Bran is a multi-period hill-top site which contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods, principally an early Bronze Age hilltop enclosure with ring cairns and an unusually unfinished Iron Age hillfort.
Carn Euny is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in the South West. It is a courtyard house settlement of the Iron Age and Romano-British periods and was occupied from about 500 BCE to 400 CE.
This is what the students said…
“The best part was exploring the Iron Age fort and reading the landscape.”
“I really liked handling the artefacts and finding out how they used.”
“Holding the artefacts was really cool!”
This is what their teachers said…
“[Caroline] was on hand to help with any questions in the preplanning and suggested we visited two sites which was great. ”
“The activities involved the children handling real artefacts which was great. It led to the children getting a real understanding/concept of what life might have been like during these eras. The children loved it and so did the adults! Thank you!”
“I really enjoyed visiting Carn Bran, and it helped the children’s work on hillforts truly come to life. Our time at Carn Euny was equally valuable, and the chance for the pupils to handle real artefacts was fantastic. [Caroline] held their attention and interest throughout the day, and everything was pitched perfectly.”
The workshop was provided free of charge as part of our Discovery Workshops Programme. This programme is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Transport for the trip was funded by our School Transport Grants Scheme.
“Having the grant was fantastic… transport can be one of the biggest barriers to putting on a trip.”
Cornish Lithium is the foundation sponsor for this academic year’s grants.
We offer a wide range of free and subsidised workshops at our historic sites as part of our Discovery Programme, and feedback like this shows what inspiring learning experiences they are.
Our on-site workshops are provided to schools, alternative education provision and community groups free of charge. For those struggling with the cost of petrol and vehicle hire, you can also apply for one of our transport grants to support your visit.
We are thrilled to announce that our small, independent charity is now caring for a rare Iron Age hillfort and 18th-century folly which enjoy extensive views of Mounts Bay.
Photo credit – Julian Perry
Cornwall Heritage Trust has taken ownership of Castle an Dinas (West) – a small multivallate hillfort situated at the summit of a broad hill on Tonkins Downs, just north of Penzance. Hillforts of this kind are rare, with around 100 examples recorded across the UK.
Standing prominently on the hillfort’s inner rampart is Rogers’ Tower, a late 18th-century folly built for the Rogers family who owned nearby Treassowe Manor. The tower is a listed building Grade II.
The site has been transferred to the charity from Cornwall Council.
Founded in 1985, the Trust protects historic places across Cornwall, which are all free for the general public to visit. It hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these heritage sites and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
In the heathland to the north of the hillfort are the remains of extensive prehistoric and medieval field systems. To the south-west, the small fields of a 19th-century smallholding have utilised the ramparts of the hillfort as part of their field system. Both folly and farmstead are important features in the landscape in this part of Cornwall.
The site lies within Cornwall National Landscape and includes a scheduled area which centres around the hillfort. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Country Wildlife Area, as well as being common land.
Photo credit – Julian Perry
It is a mix of heathland and high pasture, which is rich in ecological value. Falcons, kestrels and many other interesting species are often seen when visiting the land. An ecological assessment is forthcoming in late spring 2026.
The land has a herd of Ruby Red cows grazing on it in the summer months. We have been reassured that they are docile and used to public and dog walkers.
Join the fight for your heritage today
We’re so proud to now be the custodians of this important historic asset, which joins our growing portfolio of heritage sites.
When we set our targets in 2021 for the number of sites we could sustainably acquire, we aimed to take on one per year. In reality, the collection of sites we own has almost doubled in the last four years and has grown even larger in 2025.
If a historic site needs protecting, we want to help, and that’s why your support is vital in making this happen.
