Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian
@cornishhistory.bsky.social
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Cornish writer and blogger. See my website:
https://the-cornish-historian.com/
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Do you like stories of food riots, brawling miners, con-men, charlatans, madness, exploitation, police brutality, rugby teams and many other little-heard stories about Cornwall? Subscribe to my website for FREE!
#cornwall
#kernow
#cornish
#cornwall/kernow
#history
the-cornish-historian.com
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian
A freelance historian, writer and researcher from Cornwall
https://the-cornish-historian.com/
about 1 year ago
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A crowd of 12,000 fans at Redruth RFC watched Cornwall draw 3-3 with Gloucestershire in October 1949. Cornwall were leading until the final minutes, when a monster drop-goal taken two yards inside the Cornish half spoilt the party. Image from the Cornishman, 13 Oct 1949.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
about 19 hours ago
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A gathering of 5,000 convened at Gwennap Pit on Whit-Monday, 1949 to sing hymns and hear the preaching of Rev. F Greeves. Image from the Cornishman, 9 Jun 1949.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
2 days ago
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Who remembers the first incarnation of Mount's Bay RFC? They were an old boys' club formed in Cornwall at the end of the war. Image from the Cornishman, 28 Apr 1949. No names, sadly.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 days ago
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On this date in 1908, an unfancied Cornish rugby team of miners and fishermen made history at Redruth RFC when they won the County Championship. Follow my link here:
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/03/28/1...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
6 days ago
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16,000 fans crammed into Camborne RFC in September 1947 to watch the touring Australians beat Cornwall and Devon 17-7. The image, of Australia about to score, is from the Cornishman, 18 Sep 1947.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
7 days ago
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A very early image of Mennaye Field, Penzance, from 1945 the home of the newly-formed Penzance & Newlyn RFC. Here the 1947 touring Australians limber up. From the Cornishman, 4 Sep 1947.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
8 days ago
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Billy Renfree, fish jowster, doing the rounds with his daughter on Morrab Rd, Penzance, early 1900s. From the Cornishman, 27 Mar 1947.
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
9 days ago
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*NEW POST* Mass unemployment in 1930s Cornwall gave rise to a new sporting phenomenon…read all about it below…
the-cornish-historian.com/2026/03/21/s...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Cornish
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Sport on the Dole: Cornwall’s Unemployed Rugby Clubs
Mass unemployment in 1930s, Depression-era Cornwall gave rise to rugby teams for those out of work…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2026/03/21/sport-on-the-dole-cornwalls-unemployed-rugby-clubs/
13 days ago
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New post on Saturday…now, where was this photo taken?
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Cornish
15 days ago
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*NEW POST* On this date in 1928, Cornwall took on Yorkshire at Bradford in the RFU County Championship Final. Read all about their seldom-told campaign below…
the-cornish-historian.com/2026/03/10/j...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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John Jackett’s Ghost: Cornish Rugby and the 1928 County Championship
The seldom told story of the Cornwall rugby team’s 1927/28 County Championship campaign, and how close they came to glory…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2026/03/10/john-jacketts-ghost-cornish-rugby-and-the-1928-county-championship/
24 days ago
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New post on Tuesday morning...now, where are these chaps?
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
26 days ago
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On this date in 1998, the day after South Crofty, Cornwall’s last mine closed, parades starting at Camborne and Redruth’s rugby clubs culminated at the mine. Mining and rugby has always been closely linked…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/26/r...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Rugby and Mining in Camborne
How the miners came to play rugby for Camborne RFC…and never left…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/26/rugby-and-mining-in-camborne/
27 days ago
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On this date in 1930, Camborne RFC became the first Cornish club to play in London when they took on Old Blues RFC. Before the game, they were photographed at the Cenotaph. To find out why they were playing Old Blues, follow the link:
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/08/26/c...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
about 1 month ago
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People of Cornwall, #6: model, lover-boy, cycling star, international rugby player and arguably Cornwall’s greatest sportsman: who else but John Jackett…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/06/29/i...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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In Search of John Jackett, King of Cornish Sport: Part One
Film-star looks, artist’s model, champion cyclist, international rugby star…John Jackett had it all, and much more…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/06/29/in-search-of-john-jackett-king-of-cornish-sport-part-one/
about 1 month ago
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On this date in 1920: riot and looting in Redruth Market, Cornwall over the cost of butter. Read all about it below...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/04/16/t...
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The Cornish Butter Boycott of 1920
A cost of living crisis, low wages, high unemployment, militant Trades’ Unions, strikes, a county-wide boycott, protests in Penzance, and a riot in Redruth…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2023/04/16/the-cornish-butter-boycott-of-1920/
about 1 month ago
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People of Cornwall, #5: Paul Rabey was a Gwennap-born con artist who made a living selling shares in mines that didn’t actually exist…
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/04/09/p...
#Corwnwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Paul Rabey and the Bristol Con: They Died With Their Shoes On, Part Four
Sham mines in Perranporth, Bristol men with more cash than sense, acts of vengeance, court hearings, valueless shares, forgery, suspect bank accounts, mountains of dirty money and, in the midst of …
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/04/09/paul-rabey-and-the-bristol-con-they-died-with-their-shoes-on-part-four/
about 1 month ago
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People of Cornwall, #4: Joseph Burnett was at home enjoying a summer’s afternoon in Lostwithiel, when duty called…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/03/23/g...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Gallows Bell: The Murder of Joseph Burnett
The tragic story of a Lostwithiel Town Sergeant’s death at the hands of a British soldier…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/03/23/gallows-bell-the-murder-of-joseph-burnett/
about 2 months ago
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On this date in 1931, Padstow’s Missouri Minstrels performed before a local audience. Immensely popular in their day, Cornwall’s minstrel bands are all-but forgotten now. Follow my link in the comments to find out more…
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/01/25/c...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
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Cornish Minstrel Bands
In late 1800s and early 1900s Cornwall, blackface minstrel bands were the most popular form of entertainment…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/01/25/cornish-minstrel-bands/
about 2 months ago
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People of Cornwall, #3: what was the story behind pioneering underground photographer J C Burrow’s amazing images of Cornish miners? Read on…
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/t...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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The Man Who Photographed the Miners: J. C. Burrow in Cornwall and Wales
Who was the man who photographed the miners? How did he do it? What risks did he take? Didn’t he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining i…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/the-man-who-photographed-the-miners-j-c-burrow-in-cornwall-and-wales/
about 2 months ago
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People of Cornwall, #2: the story of the amazingly dedicated Sister Helen Phillipps-Treby, manager of a Saltash hospital for over 50 years…
the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/05/s...
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Sister Helen and Saint Barnabas
Sister Helen Phillipps-Treby was Head Nurse and General Manager of St Barnabas Hospital, Saltash, from 1896 to 1951. The span of her career covered some momentous changes in nursing and society, an…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/05/sister-helen-and-saint-barnabas/
2 months ago
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People of Cornwall, #1: the eventful life of Richard Holloway, a Redruth lawyer in the late 1800s…
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/09/06/m...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Murder, Debt, Riot: Richard Holloway, Redruth Solicitor
The career of a local solicitor laid bare, with an overview of his cases, financial problems, and harrowing family tragedy…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/09/06/murder-debt-riot-richard-holloway-redruth-solicitor/
2 months ago
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Redruth Wanderers RFC were a team of old boys and shop assistants who only played on Thursdays, which was early closing day. The trophy is the Cornwall Old Boys RFU Cup. Image from Tom Salmon, The Story of Rugby Football in Cornwall.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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In 1930s Cornwall, newer industries began to form their own sports teams. Here are the Cornwall Electric Power Company RFC, who like their firm were based at Carn Brea.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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On this date in 1922, the striking pupils of the Cornish village of Polruan marched on the school in protest and vandalised the building. Read the full story below…
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/30/t...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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The Polruan School Strike of 1922
Child strikers take to the streets of the Cornish village of Polruan…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/30/the-polruan-school-strike-of-1922/
3 months ago
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On this date in 1874, the children of Polwhele were treated to a minstrel performance as a Christmas treat. Minstrel bands were a popular aspect of Cornish entertainment, though they are all-but forgotten now…
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/01/25/c...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Cornish Minstrel Bands
In late 1800s and early 1900s Cornwall, blackface minstrel bands were the most popular form of entertainment…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/01/25/cornish-minstrel-bands/
3 months ago
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Redruth County School RFC joined the Cornwall RFU in the 1938/39 season and were cutting their teeth against such seasoned junior clubs as St Day, Troon and Lanner. Here they are in 1937.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Rugby in east Cornwall was trailblazed by the St Austell based Hornets RFC. Formed in 1933 with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch as President, by 1939 they were a senior club boasting Cornwall players on their books. Here they are in 1936.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Though officially formed in 1909, Lanner RFC had several gaps in their playing record until they notched up 15 consecutive seasons as a junior Cornish club between the wars. Here they are in 1932.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Happy New Year! Last year was: 20 new posts, 37,000 website views, over one million social media views, 39 new website subscribers, six interviews, three presentations, several chapters of a book on the history of Cornish rugby...bring on 2026...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Cornish side Troon RFC came into their own from the mid-1920s, playing in fields behind what was The Grenville Arms. Here they are in 1926/27; my grandfather stands in the middle row, second-left.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Continuing my interest in Cornish rugby XVs of the 1930s, here’s Redruth Albany, who joined the CRFU in 1930.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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Cornwall's Sparnon Gate RFC only existed for a few seasons in the 1930s. Their coach – the man in the white shirt – is the Redruth RFC, Cornwall and England legend Bert Solomon.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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It’s 26 December, and that can mean only thing: Camborne RFC hosting Redruth RFC in the 111th Boxing Day Derby! Let’s take a trip back to Camborne’s 1977/78 Centenary Season to see who won THAT encounter!
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/12/26/c...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Christmas Rugby Special
It’s Boxing Day, 1977, the date of the most famous fixture in Cornish rugby’s calendar: Camborne against Redruth. In Camborne’s Centenary Season, or any season, this is a must-win…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/12/26/christmas-rugby-special/
3 months ago
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During Christmas week 1921, former Camborne RFC player Harry Rodda donated £11 (£450 today) to the Cornish Miners’ Distress Fund. Follow my link to find out more about the relationship between mining and rugby in Camborne…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/26/r...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
3 months ago
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*NEW POST* The stories of the Cornish rugby players good enough for international trials but who the England selectors ultimately overlooked…
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/12/13/c...
#Cornwall/Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
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Cornish Rugby’s England Trialists, 1919 to 1939
The stories of the Cornishmen who excelled at rugby, yet were never given the opportunity to play for England…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/12/13/cornish-rugbys-england-trialists-1919-to-1939/
4 months ago
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New post on Saturday! What do a miner, a dentist, a wrestler and an artist’s son have in common?
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
4 months ago
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On this date in 1819, a man sold his wife by auction at a Cornish market…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/10/t...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Cornwall/Kernow
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Two Shillings and Sixpence: A Cornish Wife Sale
From a time when such things were commonplace…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/10/two-shillings-and-sixpence-a-cornish-wife-sale/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1843, Cornish heiress Mary Hartley was found insane at a commission organised by her in-laws…
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/11/02/t...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/#Cornwall
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The Madwoman of Rosewarne House?
Money, estates, mansions, secret tunnels, family plots, greed, endless litigation, insanity and tragedy…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/11/02/the-madwoman-of-rosewarne-house/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1903, Cornishman Charles Carkeek, mayor of Blackall in Queensland, died. He had been a founder-member of Camborne RFC. Follow my link to find out about the club's origins...
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/08/26/c...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
4 months ago
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Ever fancied a turn on the potter's wheel?? I highly recommend Sarah Sullivan Ceramics, Redruth, for a Christmas present with a difference...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Redruth
#Pottery
#Ceramics
4 months ago
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The first Cornishman to win an international trial cap was Camborne RFC’s Fred Rodda in 1901. He later emigrated to South Africa and appeared for Randfontein United RFC. He stands sixth from left in the back row.
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
4 months ago
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Following yesterday, people have been asking just how good Redruth RFC's Roy Jennings was. I recommend Nick Serpell's excellent book 'Hellfire Awaits', but here's a few snippets from the national 'papers of the 1930s. He was THAT good - and that unlucky.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
5 months ago
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Redruth’s Roy Jennings (left) and Camborne’s Bill Biddick never played rugby for England, but were told to be ready for the trial at Camborne in 1928. Neither got a chance, Jennings having to run touch. It was the first trial in Cornwall.
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
5 months ago
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Delighted to report that my talk on the last years of Holmans was well received by the Trevithick Society last night...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
5 months ago
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On this date in 1935, Cornish sporting legend John Jackett died. Read all about his amazing career below…
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/06/29/i...
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In Search of John Jackett, King of Cornish Sport: Part One
Film-star looks, artist’s model, champion cyclist, international rugby star…John Jackett had it all, and much more…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/06/29/in-search-of-john-jackett-king-of-cornish-sport-part-one/
5 months ago
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*NEW POST* Lest we forget, here are the stories of the men of Camborne School of Mines RFC who fought and died in World War One.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/11/09/r...
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Roll of Honour ~ Camborne School of Mines RFC
The stories of the Camborne mining students who laid down their lives in World War One…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/11/09/roll-of-honour-camborne-school-of-mines-rfc/
5 months ago
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A new post will be coming out for Remembrance Sunday...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Cornish
5 months ago
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Happy 97th birthday to England rugby's oldest international, Camborne's John Collins. I was privileged to interview John earlier this year. See my link to find out more about his career...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/03/c...
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Cornish Sporting Heroes, #4: John Collins: Camborne, Cornwall and England Rugby
Camborne man John Collins is England’s oldest living rugby union international. He played for Cornwall between 1950-53 and won three caps for the England RFU in 1952…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/03/cornish-sporting-heroes-4-john-collins-camborne-cornwall-and-england-rugby/
5 months ago
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On Monday, 10 November at 7.30 I will be giving a Zoom presentation to the Trevithick Society: ‘Pride and Anger: The Last Years of Holmans’. If you’re a member I hope to see you there! If you’d like to join, go here:
trevithicksociety.info/index.php/me...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
5 months ago
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On this date in 1914, pioneering mining photographer J C Burrow died. Read all about his amazing work below…
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/t...
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The Man Who Photographed the Miners: J. C. Burrow in Cornwall and Wales
Who was the man who photographed the miners? How did he do it? What risks did he take? Didn’t he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining i…
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/the-man-who-photographed-the-miners-j-c-burrow-in-cornwall-and-wales/
5 months ago
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