Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian
@cornishhistory.bsky.social
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š„ 288
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Cornish writer and blogger. See my website:
https://the-cornish-historian.com/
pinned post!
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/
12 months ago
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People of Cornwall, #3: what was the story behind pioneering underground photographer J C Burrowās amazing images of Cornish miners? Read onā¦
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? Didnāt he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining iā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/the-man-who-photographed-the-miners-j-c-burrow-in-cornwall-and-wales/
about 12 hours 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 yearsā¦
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, anā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/05/sister-helen-and-saint-barnabas/
8 days ago
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People of Cornwall, #1: the eventful life of Richard Holloway, a Redruth lawyer in the late 1800sā¦
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 tragedyā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/09/06/murder-debt-riot-richard-holloway-redruth-solicitor/
15 days 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
24 days 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
28 days 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 belowā¦
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 Polruanā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/30/the-polruan-school-strike-of-1922/
30 days 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 nowā¦
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 entertainmentā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/01/25/cornish-minstrel-bands/
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month ago
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Continuing my interest in Cornish rugby XVs of the 1930s, hereās Redruth Albany, who joined the CRFU in 1930.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
about 1 month ago
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Cornwall's Sparnon Gate RFC only existed for a few seasons in the 1930s. Their coach ā the man in the white shirt ā is the Redruth RFC, Cornwall and England legend Bert Solomon.
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
about 1 month ago
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Itās 26 December, and that can mean only thing: Camborne RFC hosting Redruth RFC in the 111th Boxing Day Derby! Letās take a trip back to Camborneās 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
Itās Boxing Day, 1977, the date of the most famous fixture in Cornish rugbyās calendar: Camborne against Redruth. In Camborneās Centenary Season, or any season, this is a must-winā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/12/26/christmas-rugby-special/
about 1 month ago
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During Christmas week 1921, former Camborne RFC player Harry Rodda donated Ā£11 (Ā£450 today) to the Cornish Minersā Distress Fund. Follow my link to find out more about the relationship between mining and rugby in Camborneā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/26/r...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
about 2 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 overlookedā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/12/13/c...
#Cornwall/Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
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Cornish Rugbyās England Trialists, 1919 to 1939
The stories of the Cornishmen who excelled at rugby, yet were never given the opportunity to play for Englandā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/12/13/cornish-rugbys-england-trialists-1919-to-1939/
about 2 months ago
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New post on Saturday! What do a miner, a dentist, a wrestler and an artistās son have in common?
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
about 2 months ago
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On this date in 1819, a man sold his wife by auction at a Cornish marketā¦
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 commonplaceā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/12/10/two-shillings-and-sixpence-a-cornish-wife-sale/
about 2 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-lawsā¦
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 tragedyā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/11/02/the-madwoman-of-rosewarne-house/
2 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
2 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
2 months ago
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The first Cornishman to win an international trial cap was Camborne RFCās 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
3 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
3 months ago
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Redruthās Roy Jennings (left) and Camborneās 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
3 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
3 months ago
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On this date in 1935, Cornish sporting legend John Jackett died. Read all about his amazing career belowā¦
#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, artistās model, champion cyclist, international rugby starā¦John Jackett had it all, and much moreā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/06/29/in-search-of-john-jackett-king-of-cornish-sport-part-one/
3 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 Oneā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/11/09/roll-of-honour-camborne-school-of-mines-rfc/
3 months ago
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A new post will be coming out for Remembrance Sunday...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Cornish
3 months ago
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Happy 97thĀ 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 Englandās oldest living rugby union international. He played for Cornwall between 1950-53 and won three caps for the England RFU in 1952ā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/03/cornish-sporting-heroes-4-john-collins-camborne-cornwall-and-england-rugby/
3 months ago
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On Monday, 10 November at 7.30 I will be giving a Zoom presentation to the Trevithick Society: āPride and Anger: The Last Years of Holmansā. If youāre a member I hope to see you there! If youād like to join, go here:
trevithicksociety.info/index.php/me...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
3 months ago
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On this date in 1914, pioneering mining photographer J C Burrow died. Read all about his amazing work belowā¦
#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? Didnāt he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining iā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/the-man-who-photographed-the-miners-j-c-burrow-in-cornwall-and-wales/
3 months ago
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On this date in 1958, Sister Helen-Phillipps-Treby died. She had managed St Barnabas Hospital Saltash from 1896-1951. Read onā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/05/s...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#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, anā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/05/sister-helen-and-saint-barnabas/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1924, Redruth RFCās Tommy Harris became Cornwallās first rugby league international, representing England against an Other Nationalities side. Read on to find out more...
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/28/c...
#Kernow
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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Cornwallās Rugby Codebreakers: Part Two
From the 1920s to the present, the stories of the Cornish rugby union players who switched codes and joined the rugby leagueā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/28/cornwalls-rugby-codebreakers-part-two/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1898, fortune teller Beatrice Small stood trial accused of defrauding Cornish country folkā¦read onā¦
#Cornish
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/20/t...
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The Notorious Beatrice Small, Fortune Teller
Beatrice Small made her living telling the fortunes of the gullible folk living in the border country of North Cornwall. Her fanciful tales of spells and hidden fortunes found many willing ears, anā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2021/12/20/the-notorious-beatrice-small-fortune-teller/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1873, the biggest anti-police riot in Cornish history took place in Camborneā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/10/07/t...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
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The Camborne Riots of 1873: Part Two
Concluding the violent story of the biggest anti-police riot in Cornish historyā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2023/10/07/the-camborne-riots-of-1873-part-two/
4 months ago
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On this date in 1873, two miners were thrown in jail after assaulting several police officers. What happened next? Read onā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/09/30/t...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
#Riots
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The Camborne Riots of 1873: Part One
150 years ago, the people of Camborne took part in the biggest anti-police riot in Cornish historyā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2023/09/30/the-camborne-riots-of-1873-part-one/
4 months ago
0
1
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Many happy returns to Cornish wrestling legend Gerry Cawley! Read my interview with Gerry belowā¦
#cornwall
#kernow
#cornwall/kernow
#cornish
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/07/c...
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Cornish Sporting Heroes, #6: Gerry Cawley, Champion Wrestler
An interview with Cornishman Gerry Cawley, champion Cornish wrestler for over 25 yearsā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/07/cornish-sporting-heroes-6-gerry-cawley-champion-wrestler/
4 months ago
1
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On this date in 1893, seven men were killed at Dolcoath Mine. The photographer J C Burrow had taken an image of 493 fathom, where the disaster occurred, months before it happened. Read onā¦
the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/t...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#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? Didnāt he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining iā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/the-man-who-photographed-the-miners-j-c-burrow-in-cornwall-and-wales/
5 months ago
1
9
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On this date in 1924, Cornwallās best rugby players took on the greatest New Zealand XV in historyā¦read onā¦
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/09/21/t...
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The Magnificent Seven Meet The Invincibles
On September 18 1924 the greatest New Zealand XV in history ā āThe Invinciblesā ā played Cornwall at Camborne RFC. Seven players were Camborne menā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/09/21/the-magnificent-seven-meet-the-invincibles/
5 months ago
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On this date in 1934, legendary fast bowler let rip against Cornwallās best cricketersā¦
#Cornish
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/04/28/b...
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Bodyline at North Roskear
One for all cricket loversā¦what do a bandleader, a mine captain, and the worldās fastest bowler have in common?
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2023/04/28/bodyline-at-north-roskear/
5 months ago
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Love thy neighbour: Camborne RFC host Redruth RFC, today, 2.30pm...
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
#rugby
the-cornish-historian.com/2023/09/02/c...
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Camborne~Redruth: The Oldest Continual Rugby Fixture in the World? Part One
Cornwallās greatest sporting rivalry? The worldās oldest sporting rivalry? Here is the warts-and-all account of a great Cornish rugby traditionā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2023/09/02/camborneredruth-the-oldest-continual-rugby-fixture-in-the-world-part-one/
5 months ago
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Cornish Metals are now working on the 195 fathom pumping station at South Crofty. Hereās my maternal grandfather, John Williams, at work there in the early 1980s.
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/#Cornwall
#mining
5 months ago
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Great day at Northampton RFC -
#rwc2025
5 months ago
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No Cornish knitted rugby figure @northamptonsaints for the Womenās Rugby World Cup?!
#rugbyunion
#cornwall
5 months ago
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Bargain Power Rangers, Northampton RFC, for the Womenās Rugby World Cup
#rugby
#rugbyunion
5 months ago
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Many happy returns to Cornish cricketing hero Tony Penberthy!
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/17/c...
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Cornish Sporting Heroes, #5: Tony Penberthy: Troon, Cornwall and Northants Cricket
An interview with Troon-born Cornish cricketer Tony Penberthy, who played professionally for First Class County side Northamptonshireā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/17/cornish-sporting-heroes-5-tony-penberthy-troon-cornwall-and-northants-cricket/
5 months ago
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*NEW POST* Back to school anyone?
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
#History
#Strikes
the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/30/t...
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The Polruan School Strike of 1922
Child strikers take to the streets of the Cornish village of Polruanā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/30/the-polruan-school-strike-of-1922/
5 months ago
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New post on Saturday! Cornwallās schoolchildren take matters into their own handsā¦for more tales of Cornish history, follow the link belowā¦
the-cornish-historian.com
#Cornwall
#Kernow
#Cornish
#Kernow/Cornwall
5 months ago
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On this date in 1814, there was murder on the streets of Lostwithielā¦read onā¦
#Cornwall
#Cornish
#Kernow
#Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com/2024/03/23/g...
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Gallows Bell: The Murder of Joseph Burnett
The tragic story of a Lostwithiel Town Sergeantās death at the hands of a British soldierā¦
https://the-cornish-historian.com/2024/03/23/gallows-bell-the-murder-of-joseph-burnett/
6 months ago
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