We are part of an exciting series of events coming up in Padstow this October exploring the discovery of the skeletal remains of a shipwrecked sailor on the cliffs near Trevone and raising funds to commemorate them.
In November 2022, skeletal remains were found on a cliff above Newtrain Bay, Trevone, following a storm. Radiocarbon dating indicates the remains most likely date from the 18th century, and analysis of the bones and distinctive wear on his teeth, believed to have been caused by biting rope, give strong evidence to suggest he was a sailor.
Following agreement with Padstow Town Council, the remains will be reinterred at Padstow Cemetery next year. To mark the grave, which will also be used for further storm-washed remains as and when they are discovered within the parish, Cornwall Council has commissioned a local artist to carve a bespoke headstone in tribute to all those lost at sea.
These events aim to help people learn more about this exciting discovery and raise funds for the memorial stone. Any additional funds raised through the events and donations to the fundraiser will be given to Padstow RNLI.
Tickets for the events, which are listed below, must be pre-booked.
This is a partnership initiative between Cornwall Council, Padstow Town Council, Cornwall National Landscape and Cornwall Heritage Trust.
Lost, Forgotten, Rediscovered: Trevone Coastal Grave
A Cornish Story Cafe
Thursday 10th October | 6.30pm – 8pm
Organised by Cornwall Heritage Trust
Location: Padstow Social Club, The Lawns Senders Hill Padstow PL28 8DT
Price: Pay as You Feel – Suggested donation £10 (Minimum donation £1)
Led by Richard Mikulski from Cornwall Archaeological Unit, this talk will explore the discovery of the remains and describe the findings from the analyses of the bones so far. Richard will also discuss interpretations for the grave and compare the site to other burials discovered around Cornwall’s coastline.
Richard has over 20 years of experience as a professional osteoarchaeologist. During his career, he has analysed and recorded more than 1,100 sets of human remains and was part of the Museum of London team which delivered the ground-breaking Wellcome Osteological Research Database (WORD) project. He is currently a Senior Archaeologist with Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU), providing a range of professional archaeological services incorporating archaeological and heritage fieldwork, osteological assessment, processing and analysis, community heritage project management and outreach.
Due to the nature of this subject matter, the talk will include images of human remains.
Refreshments including saffron buns, tea and coffee will be served.
Can These Bones Live? A Local Story of the Bones of Trevone: Introduction, Q&A & Author Reading
Friday 11th October | 2pm – 4pm
Organised by Cornwall National Landscape
Location: Padstow Church (St Petrocs), Church Street, Padstow PL28 8BG
Price: £15 to include a limited edition signed copy of the book, ‘Give Him a Little Earth’, poster and tote bag featuring one of Anupa Gardner’s beautiful illustrations
Following the discovery of the remains at Trevone, Cornwall National Landscape commissioned local author, Gareth Rees, to create a fictional account of the man’s life – what it may have been like based on the incredible information that archaeologist Richard was able to provide.
Join them at Padstow Church to learn more about the bones of Trevone, with talks and audience Q&A with those involved in the project. Plus, an author reading from our newly commissioned book.
The Bones at Trevone Discovery Club Special
Saturday 12th October | 10.30am – 12noon
Organised by Cornwall Heritage Trust
Location: Padstow Community Hub, Lawns Car Park, School Hill, Padstow, PL28 8EB
Price: £8 per child (plus booking fee)
Calling all young archaeological detectives – it’s time to solve a history mystery!
This October, children aged 8 -14 have the chance to investigate the findings from the archaeological dig which uncovered human bones on the cliffs near Trevone.
Due to the nature of this subject matter, this workshop will involve discussion about and images of human remains. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Parents and guardians may accompany their children but are also welcome to drop them off at the workshop, if they prefer. Accompanying parents do not need to purchase a ticket for the workshop. Our Team Leaders are fully DBS checked and First Aid trained.
Can These Bones Live? A Local Story of the Bones of Trevone: Music and Author Reading
Saturday 12th October | 6pm – 9pm
Organised by Cornwall National Landscape
Location: Trevone Cafe, Trevone Beach Stores, Padstow, PL28 8QY
Price: £20 to include a limited edition signed copy of Give Him a Little Earth, poster and tote bag featuring one of Anupa Gardner’s beautiful illustrations from the book
Cornwall National Landscape has been working with local author Gareth Rees and musician, Toby Lobb (Fisherman’s Friends, Loveridge) to creatively and sensitively bring these bones to life.
Join them for an evening of music and reading to mark the publication of Give Him a Little Earth by Gareth Rees, a book that imagines the possible lives of the bones of Trevone.
