Blisland Commons Boundary Stone Project

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BLISLAND COMMONS BOUNDARY STONE PROJECT

BLISLAND COMMONERS ASSOCIATION JUNE 2006

A LOCAL HERITAGE INITATIVE

Andrew G. Langdon

Blisland Commoners Association June 2006

A Local Heritage Initiative

The author of this report would like to note that any errors or shortcomings in this work are his own responsibility. This report is primarily a document mapping the boundary stones and tracing their history and it is not intended to express any view on present landownership or boundaries. Furthermore, the numbering scheme for identifying the individual boundary stones is purely for the purposes of this report and has no bearing on ownership.

Abstract

This report is based on the results of a survey of the boundary stones on the Blisland Commons, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall and covers the parish of Blisland as well as parts of St Breward, Temple and St Neot.

The report records the distribution of these boundary stones and attempts to identify why, where and when they were erected. It also sets out to identify the letters and symbols on each stone with the names of landowners and local manors that they represented.

Furthermore it records the practical work that took place to re-erect fallen boundary stones, and name each common on a granite boulder. Finally, it also gives a summary of the associated school project, which included a field trip, classroom work and practical art work.

Contents

List of illustrations, maps and photographs

Acknowledgements

1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Scope and Limitations of the project 1.3 Project Proposal

2 Desk-top Survey 2.1 The parish tithe maps 2.2 Ordnance Survey mapping 2.3 Other Cartographical sources

3 Methodology for fieldwork 3.1 Preliminary survey 3.2 Numbering the boundary stones 3.3 Identifying the boundary stones for photography 3.3 Recording the boundary stones 3.4 Mapping the boundary stones

4. Research 4.1 Dating of the boundary stones 4.2 Ownership of the Commons 4.3 Reasons for the boundary stones

Survey Results

5 Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs 5.1 Situation 5.2 Landscape/topography 5.3 Archaeology/industry 5.4 Trehudreth Downs 5.5 Greenbarrow Downs 5.6 Newton Downs 5.7 Analysis

6 Kerrow, Metherin, and Pendrift Downs 6.1 Situation 6.2 Landscape/topography 6.3 Archaeology/industry 6.4 Kerrow Downs 6.5 Metherin Downs 6.6 Pendrift Downs 6.7 Analysis

7. Emblance Downs and Lady Down 7.1 Situation 7.2 Landscape/topography 7.3 Archaeology/industry 7.4 Emblance Downs 7.5 Lady Down 7.6 Analysis

8 Manor Common and Menacrin Downs 8.1 Situation 8.2 Landscape/topography 8.3 Archaeology/industry 8.4 Manor Common 8.5 Menacrin Downs 8.6 Analysis

9 Shallow Water, Brockabarrow Common and Sprey Moor 9.1 Situation 9.2 Landscape/topography 9.3 Archaeology/industry 9.4 Shallow Water Common 9.5 Brockabarrow Common 9.6 Sprey Moor 9.7 Analysis

10 Trencreek Downs 10.1 Situation 10.2 Landscape/topography 10.3 Archaeology/industry 10.4 Trencreek Downs 10.5 Analysis

11 Who were the landowners? 11.1 Gilbert 11.2 Morshead 11.3 Hayward 11.4 Molesworth 11.5 Clinton (Trefusis) 11.6 Wallis 11.7 Rodd 11.8 Collins 11.9 Onslow 11.10 Gregor

12 Practical Work 12.1 Re-erecting boundary stones 12.2 Naming the Commons

13 School’s Project 13.1 Field trip to the moors 13.2 Story telling and Poetry 13.3 Creative boundary stone

14 Conclusions 14.1 Boundary stones discovered 14.2 Losses 14.3 Reasons for erecting the boundary stones 14.4 Dating 14.5 Re-use of earlier boundaries 14.6 Recommendations for future preservation and research

15 Appendices 15.1 Data sheets recording all boundary stones. 15.2 Boundary stones discovered and missing. 15.3 Boundary stone legends. 15.4 Boundary stones re-erected. 15.5 Perambulation of the Bounds of the Manor of Blisland in 1816. 15.6 Local Place names not recorded on modern maps. 15.7 Naming the Commons. 15.8 Bibliography

Abbreviations used

HER Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record

HES Historic Environment Service

TA Tithe Award or Tithe Apportionment maps

OS Ordnance Survey

NGR National Grid Reference

GPS Ground Positioning System

List of illustrations and photographs

Front cover Boundary stone in the centre of the Trippet Stone Circle, Manor Common.

Fig. 1 Areas of Common Land within Blisland Commons

Fig. 2 Boundary stone displaying the Morshead mark.

Fig. 3 Boundary stone displaying the Hayward mark.

Fig. 4 Boundary stone displaying the Manor of Blisland mark.

Fig. 5 Peverall’s Cross, Trehudreth Downs.

Fig. 6 Plan of boundary stones on the west side of Trehudreth Downs.

Fig. 7 Boundary stone displaying Wallis mark altered to the Hayward mark.

Fig. 8 Map showing the boundary stones on Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs.

Fig. 9 Boundary stone displaying both the Hayward and Wallis marks.

Fig. 10 Boundary stone displaying both the Wallis and Hayward marks.

Fig. 11 Map showing the boundary stones on Kerrow and Metherin Downs.

Fig. 12 Map showing the boundary stones on Kerrow, Metherin and Pendrift Downs.

Fig. 13 Copy of tithe map showing division between Kerrow and Black Down.

Fig. 14 Boundary stone displaying the Molesworth mark on Emblance Downs.

Fig. 15 Boundary stone displaying the VI monogram on Ivey’s Plain.

Fig. 16 Map showing the boundary stones on Emblance Downs.

Fig. 17 Map showing the boundary stones on Lady Down.

Fig. 18 Medieval boundary bank dividing Lady Down from Treswallock Downs.

Fig. 19 Boundary stone displaying a rounded M character on Emblance Downs.

Fig. 20 A copy of the St Breward tithe map showing Ivey’s Plain.

Fig. 21 Parcel of land no. 1368 on the Tithe map.

Fig. 22 & 23 Both the front and reverse faces of the boundary stone at the Trippet Stones.

Fig. 24 Boundary stone displaying the Onslow mark at Menacrin Downs.

Fig. 25 Dated stone beside the A.30 at Temple crossroads.

Fig. 26 Map showing the boundary stones on Manor Common and Menacrin Downs.

Fig. 27 Copy of Tithe map showing Lord Clinton’s land at the Trippet’s.

Fig. 28 Copy of Tithe Map showing Jole Cole’s land at Nailybarrow.

Fig. 29 Boundary stone displaying the Onslow mark at Shallow Water Common.

Fig. 30 Boundary stone displaying the Rodd mark at Shallow Water Common.

Fig. 31 Parish boundary stone beside the A.30 with Blisland and Bolventor names.

Fig. 32 Boundary stone on Brockabarrow Common, displaying a G for Gregor?

Fig. 33 Boundary stone on Brockabarrow Common, displaying the Molesworth mark.

Fig. 34 The Four Holed Cross displaying GLW for Great Lord’s Waste.

Fig. 35 Map showing the boundary stones on Brockabarrow Down.

Fig. 36 Map showing the boundary stones on Shallow Water Common.

Fig. 37 Map showing the boundary stones on Sprey Moor.

Fig. 38 Boundary stone displaying both the Manor of Blisland and Collins mark.

Fig. 39 Map showing the boundary stones on Trencreek Downs.

Fig. 40 A boundary stone being re-erected on Greenbarrow Downs.

Fig. 41 Volunteers re-erecting a boundary stone on Metherin Downs.

Fig. 42 Local stonemason Ernie Hillson carving a boulder on Newton Downs.

Fig. 43 Completed stone on Manor Common.

Fig. 44 Blisland school children recording boundary stones on Trehudreth Downs.

Fig. 45 Blisland school children at Newton Farm.

Fig. 46 Completed sculptured boundary stone at Blisland School.

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Local Heritage Initiative.

The project team would like to express their thanks to:

The Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) is a national grant scheme to help local groups investigate, explain and care for their landscape, landmarks, traditions and culture. The LHI is run by the Countryside Agency and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Nationwide Building Society.

The landowners who have allowed access to their land to record and survey the boundary stones, Lady I Molesworth St Aubyn, Mr. E. C. Holman, Imerys, Mr. W. M. and Mrs. M. M. Rowe, Mr. A Mansfield, Mr. C. J. Rush, Mr. R. and Mrs S. Grace, Mr. K. Prout, Mr. C. Halls and Mrs. F. Walkey.

The volunteers who have braved the weather to help survey and seek out hidden boundary stones also assisted in re-erecting the fallen ones, David Attwell, Martyn Diamond, Graham Montague, Paddy Mc Shee, Catherine Mc Shee, Jan Chivers, John Blake, Joan Webb, Sally Buts, Eva Buts, Ruben Buts, Mair Attwell, Colin Blackmore, Ann Preston-Jones and Emma Langdon.

In particular, to Peter Davies who was responsible for surveying the Commons and David Attwell, for organising the school’s element of the project, without them this project would not have been successful

To Ann Preston-Jones for all her patience reading through, discussing, editing and comments on a draft of this report.

To Ann Reynolds, Archaeologist, Historic Environment Service, Cornwall County Council for the tremendous help in providing maps of all the areas of common land covered in this report and for the general support given by the Historic Environment Service.

To those who gave their support to the project, provided information, or were consulted, Ann Preston-Jones and Peter Herring, Senior Archaeologists, Historic Environment Service, Cornwall County Council., North Cornwall District Council, Angela Broome, Librarian, The Courtney Library, The Royal Institution of Cornwall, Iain Mackelworth, Cornwall Enterprise, Cornwall County Council, Staff of the Cornwall Family History Society, Peter Ludgate, Chairman of Blisland Parish Council and Councillors, Denis Lusby, Chairman St Breward Parish Council and councillors, also Mr Lusby as editor of the Community Magazine for the parishes of Blisland, with Temple, St Breward and Helland, Robert Berreton, Savilles, Land Agents for the Molesworth Estate, Sir William Molesworth of Pencarrow, John Tonkin and Derek Giles, members of St Austell China Clay History Society, Mrs Pamela Bousfield, Local Historian, St Breward.

To the headteacher and staff of Blisland School and the staff of the Art department at Bodmin Community School.

For Practical help, to Mr James Bowman, Agent for the Highways Agency and his team.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Blisland Commoners Association manages fourteen historic areas of moorland, commons and downland that constitute ten areas of registered Common Land in the parishes of Blisland, St Breward, Temple and St Neot (formerly Cardinham detached) on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.

Both natural and man-made features bound these areas of moorland. The natural features include rivers, streams and outcrops of rock, while the man-made features include archaeological remains, hedges, banks and boundary stones. Of the boundary stones marking the Blisland Commons, some are medieval and include stone crosses, although the large majority are post-medieval. The post-medieval boundary stones are usually simple pillars of granite, inscribed with letters or symbols denoting the name of the landowner or the manorial estate. These landscape features have never been fully recorded, or set in context with the land they bound, either in Blisland or elsewhere in Cornwall. Some have fallen over, while others have entirely disappeared.

The ‘Blisland Commons Boundary Stone Project’ is the initiative of The Blisland Commoners Association. It was first devised during the summer of 2004 and was the subject of a successful Local Heritage Initiative application in October of that year. In summary, the aim of the project was to record and photograph all the existing boundary stones on Blisland Commons, and re-erect those that had fallen over. The results or this project are described in this report.

These post-medieval boundary stones are an integral part of the Bodmin Moor landscape and are a legacy of both the manorial and industrial evolution of the land. Few if any have any legal protection and until recently have not been considered of sufficient age or interest to be recorded. However, locally in the north Cornwall area there has been some interest shown in them. Both Mrs Pamela Bousfield of St Breward and the late Mr Frank Smeeth of Camelford took an active interest in them and this led to several boundary stones in Davidstow parish being re-erected. This was through a project led by Mr David Attwell of the North Cornwall Heritage Coast and Countryside Service with the assistance of Mr Smeeth and Mr Harold

1 Lane of Camelford.1 In the Historic Environment Service’s forthcoming publication Bodmin Moor, an archaeological survey volume 2, Herring2 recommends that ‘photographs and descriptions of all such stones will provide a valuable record which will assist in ensuring their conservation, and will help re-create early modern manorial subdivisions of the Downs’. To date, the Historic Environment Service has only twenty-seven boundary stones throughout the county recorded in the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record (HER) and only those on Manor Common within the area of this project.3

Furthermore, in many cases local people and even the landowners and commoners working on and around the moor do not know the history of these boundary stones. Many do not know, by whom, when or why they were erected and what the letters and symbols carved upon them represent. Clearly there has been a need to record and research these boundary stones before all knowledge of their history is lost. Hence it was the aim of this project to identify, with the aid of volunteers, who, when and why these boundary stones were erected, and to raise awareness in the local community. It is because of these reasons that the project gained the backing of the Local Heritage Initiative.

1.2 Scope and Limitations of the project

The area covered by the project is all land within Blisland Commons, that is the fourteen commons that make up the ten registered areas of common land all on the north side of the A.30 highway. They include, Tencreek Downs, Trehudreth Downs, Greenbarrow Downs, Newton Downs, Manor Common, Metherin Downs, Kerrow Downs, Shallow Water Common, Brockabarrow Common, all in the parish of Blisland. Also Emblance Downs and Lady Down in the parish of St Breward, Menacrin Downs in the parish of Temple and Sprey Moor in the parish of St Neot (Cardinham detached), see fig.1.

1 Messrs Attwell, Smeeth and Lane re-erected several boundary stones in Davidstow parish in April 1993, including one alongside the old aerodrome, and another near the stream at Roughtor Ford. These were all parish bound stones rather than manorial bound stones.

2 Peter Herring in chapter 12, ‘The future – protection, management, presentation, further research’ by Peter Herring, Nicholas Johnson, Adam Sharpe, and John R. Smith in Herring, P., Sharpe, J, Smith, J. R., forthcoming, Bodmin Moor, an archaeological survey, volume 2, the industrial and post-medieval landscapes, English Heritage and Cornwall County Council.

3 The H.E.R. is held at the Historic Environment Service (formerly the Cornwall Archaeological Unit) at Old County Hall, Truro.

Fig. 1 Areas of Common Land within Blisland Commons

3 1.3 Project Proposal

Aims and Objectives = Produce a community-based project. = Survey and record all the boundary stones on the Blisland Commons. = Re-instate boundary stones that have fallen over. = Provide replacement boundary stones where the original ones have become lost. = Name each parcel of Common Land by inscribing a suitable boulder within each area. = Actively encourage community involvement. = Promote the project through local schools and educational facilities. = Develop a Creative Arts based project with Blisland School. = Provide a local exhibition or display at Blisland to procure information for the final report. = Finally, produce a report recording the history of the various groups of boundary stones, their context in the landscape, and the areas of Common Land that they bound. = The report will also include the results of the survey, with photographs of the boundary stones and the practical projects undertaken. = The report will be published within a web site on the World Wide Web and a limited number of hard-copies will be produced for local libraries, the Commons Association and other interested parties.

Impact of the project = The project will highlight the significance of these features to the wider community. = The project will set the boundary stones in context, and bring together a range of local people to help preserve this part of Bodmin Moor’s heritage. = The publication of the project report on the World Wide Web will provide public awareness not only locally and nationally but also potentially to everyone. = The project report will also provide a record that will aid the future management of the boundary stones on Bodmin Moor. = The project report, produced as a hard copy and deposited in local libraries, will also become a valuable resource for future research.

4 Method The project will involve professional researchers, local volunteers, local contractors and tradesmen, as well as consultation with the local authority, landowners, commoners and the parish councils.

The project will be divided up into a number of key stages, these will include:

= Desk-based assessment (preliminary research). = Field-based and community survey of all the boundary stones on each area of Common Land. = Collating the results of the survey. = Further documentary research and analysis. = Clearance of vegetation from around certain boundary stones. = Erecting fallen boundary stones. = Procuring and erecting replacement boundary stones. = Carving of letters / symbols on replacement boundary stones. = Carving the names of individual commons on suitable granite boulders in each area of Common Land. = Promoting the project through a Creative Arts based project with Blisland School. = Production of a small exhibition or display prior to producing the final report. = Producing a web-site on the World Wide Web. = Production of the final report for publication on the web-site, with a limited number of hard-copies. = Revitalising tradition and heritage through performing the ‘Beating of the bounds’.

Desk-based assessment This will be a preliminary investigation by the researchers, primarily looking at all the available early maps of the Common Land to collate all the known boundary stones and sites. This will include gaining access to:

= The Parish Tithe Apportionment Maps of Blisland, St Breward, Temple, St Neot and Cardinham at the County Record Office. = Common Land maps and registers. = The First edition 1813 Ordnance Survey maps.

5 = 25 inch Ordnance Survey maps of 1880s and 1907. = Any known Estate Maps. = Maps / plans of mineral bounds, especially tin and china clay bounds. = Constraints such as whether any stones are protected, scheduled or listed.

The results of this investigation will be used as the basis of the field-based community survey of the fourteen areas of Common Land.

Survey Each area of Common Land will be walked and the boundary stones examined, while any former sites will be recorded. A checklist or proforma will be filled out at each site and the following details will be collected for each stone / site.

= A photograph of each of the four sides of each boundary stone. (digital images will be taken for the web site along with black and white photographs for archive records. = A sketch indicating any inscriptions will be produced on-site. = A short written description of each stone, including type of stone. = Any additional features will be recorded such as drill marks, re-use of the stone in an earlier feature etc. = The dimensions of each boundary stone. = Orientation of each boundary stone and its National Grid Reference.

Furthermore, a record of any additional stone artefacts deemed to be significant and worthy of note, will be collected, including part-worked granite millstones, troughs etc. Finally, these results will be collated by each parcel of Common Land, and will also be plotted on maps of each Common. Examples will be published on the web-site.

Archive research This will include: = Researching all known resources to produce a history of the boundary stones and the land they enclose.

6 = Identify the historical context of the boundary stones chronologically, through accessing resources, in particular at the Historical Environment Service of Cornwall County Council. = Identify the significance of the boundary stones in the landscape through researching existing publications, surveys and reports about Bodmin Moor. = Where possible, identify who was responsible for commissioning these boundary stones and who struggled to set them up, through accessing manorial / estate records and private landowners records. = Access public resources such as The County Record Office, Local Studies Library and the Sites and Monuments Record. = Access private resources such as the Courtney Library at the Royal Institution of Cornwall, China clay archives at Wheal Martyn, St Austell and the Morrab Library, Penzance.

Additional local research will be gathered from those working and living on the moor through interviews, correspondence and at the public exhibition / display.

Practical work = Where a fallen boundary stone has been identified, it will be re-instated using volunteer labour and professional help. = Granite posts donated by local farmers and landowners will be adapted as replacement boundary stones. = The appropriate letters or symbols will be carved on the replacement boundary stones by a local craftsman, to denote the landowner, manor or estate. = These boundary stones will be set up by local volunteers at known sites where maps indicate that formerly a boundary stone existed. = A local stonemason will be commissioned to carve the names of each moor or common on a suitable in situ granite boulder at each site. = Where such a boulder does not exist, a suitable stone will be acquired either by donation or purchase and transported to site with the aid of voluntary labour. = Any replacement stones will be dated by the stonemason so that there can be no confusion with the original boundary stones.

7 Community involvement Local people will be encouraged at all stages to take an interest in the project and participate where appropriate. Local knowledge, archive material such as photographs and maps etc. will be sought from moorland communities to aid the production of the final report and the project as a whole.

Creative Arts project Taking characters and elements of the landscape, a writer will be employed to develop a story with the children of Blisland School. This will build upon the theme of 'boundaries' and generate a greater sense of place between the pupils and their parish. Work flowing from these sessions will then form the backdrop to the creation of a physical piece of artwork. This will be erected in the school grounds and will involve the children in its creation. Using a local metal sculptor from within the parish an inspirational 'boundstone' will be crafted from copper and tin reflecting the range of marks to be found on the moor. As part of this process there will be an attempt to source and smelt tin from the moor which will be incorporated into the art piece.

This element of the project will again involve the community as storytellers, guides and helpers and the story will also be told through the website in words and images.

On completion of the boundary stones project it is anticipated that the traditional ceremony of the ‘beating of the bounds’ will take place on the Commons. Local people and organisations will be encouraged to take part, thus increasing public awareness of these heritage assets on Bodmin Moor.

Health and Safety Risk assessments will be undertaken to cover the various aspects of the project including the field-based community survey, re-instatement of boundary stones and the beating of the bounds. Public Liability Insurance will be obtained by the Commoners Association.

Production of the final report The production of the report will be undertaken by professional researchers and will include the following:

8 = A general description of each area of Common Land, including its topographical features. = A description of and summary of the history of each boundary. = A description of the different types of boundary stone on each Common. = The history of each group of boundary stones, including, why, when and by whom they were set up, if known. = A note setting the boundary stones in context with the landscape. = Future recommendations for the future preservation of the boundary stones. = Maps indicating the distribution of the boundary stones. = The results of the field-based community survey. = A record of all the practical work undertaken, such as setting up fallen and replacement boundary stones, and the inscribing of the names of the commons on granite boulders. = A gazetteer including photographs of the boundary stones recorded through the survey.

The full report will be published on a web-site and a limited number of hard copies will be produced for the local libraries, resource centres and interested parties.

2. Desktop Survey

The essential first stage of the project was the desktop survey:- an assessment of what boundary stones are recorded on the fourteen areas of common land that form Blisland Commons. Although some documents were examined, such as the Trehudreth Downs court transcription, the main sources consulted were, the parish tithe maps, large scale Ordnance Survey maps, as well as earlier cartographical sources.

2.1 The parish tithe maps The earliest large scale maps of Blisland Commons are the Parish Tithe Apportionment maps that date from the early 1840s. There are usually three versions of these, a parish copy, a diocesan copy and a commissioners copy. These varied in quality and accuracy, the Commissioners copies were referred to as first class maps and were considered accurate enough for legal purposes and were to a scale of 3 chains to an inch or 1:2500. The parish and diocese copies were often second class maps, usually drawn from existing town or estate maps with updates and extra boundaries. Areas of waste land i.e. moorland, and wastrels

9 were less accurately drawn (8 or 12 chains to the inch), with the surveyors giving more attention to the inhabited areas.4 Accompanying each tithe map is a document known as the Award or Apportionment schedule, that records, the number and name of each field and area of land, acreage, landowner, leasee, occupier, state of cultivation and rent-charge payable.

For the purposes of this survey, the parish copies of the Blisland, St Breward and Temple maps were examined at the Cornwall Record Office, along with microfilm copies of the Commissioners copies for Blisland, St Breward, Temple, Cardinham and St Neot.5 The condition of each of the parish tithe maps and their size and quality varyed a great deal. Both the Blisland and St Breward maps are large (like rolled up carpets). The Blisland copy is badly torn with some detail missing and patched in places (Shallow Water Common area), the St Breward map has been remounted and is in a much better condition. The Temple map is clearly a less expensive version with pencil drawing rather than indian ink and is much smaller in size (relating to the size of the parish) and in the best condition. Although few man-made features are recorded on tithe maps, boundary stones are an exception and were deemed necessary as they indicated land boundaries; each is marked as a small rectangular outline of a post, although their style varies from map to map. Buildings and other structures are usually omitted.

2.2 Ordnance Survey mapping In addition to the tithe maps, copies of the Ordnance Survey 1880 and 1907, 25 inch to the mile maps were also examined. These maps are very accurate and are much more detailed than the tithe maps, they show buildings, the type of vegetation, footpaths (not necessarily public) etc. Both the 1880 and the 1907 editions are very similar, with the 1880 edition being darker and busier due to the more dense symbols used for vegetation.6 These maps mark the boundary stones with either the word Stone or BS in italics.

4 Information from course on ‘Maps and Mapping in Cornwall’ by Colin Edwards at the Cornwall Record Office, February 2001.

5 The original Commissioners Tithe Maps are held in the Public Record Office at Kew.

6 The project team appreciate the assistance given by the Historic Environment Service at Cornwall County Council for providing copies of the 1880 and 1907 Ordnance Survey maps.

2.3 Other Cartographical sources

Earlier smaller scale maps have been examined, but are not usually larger enough scale to indicate boundary stones although they are particularly good for place-names. These include the Lanhydrock Atlas dated 1696 (Manor of Trehudreth only), Joel Gascoyne’s Map of Cornwall dated 1699, Thomas Martyn’s map of Cornwall 1745 and the first edition, 1 inch Ordnance Survey map of 1813.7

The desktop survey clearly indicated that although a boundary stone may appear on one map, it does not automatically appear on all maps. It appears that sometimes they were missed off later editions, either due to human error, or perhaps if they had fallen over and were no longer visible. Some boundary stones that are marked on the parish tithe maps of 1840s are omitted on all Ordnance Survey maps yet can still be found in situ on the moor. Others are sometimes recorded on the Ordnance Survey 1880 map but not on the 1907 edition or vice- versa. Some boundary stones exist on the moor that do not appear on any of the maps examined during the desktop survey. Just under a third of the total boundary stones collated are recorded on the parish tithe maps.

All the boundary stones mentioned in documents and recorded on maps were collated prior to the practical survey and plotted on copies of the 1907 Ordnance Survey map which was used as the ‘master’ copy for surveying each area of common land.

3. Methodology for fieldwork

3.1 Preliminary survey

A preliminary survey of some of the boundary stones took place to assess the requirements for the surveyors and test the ideas stated in the proposal. Many of the granite boundary stones on Blisland Commons are similar in shape and style and often have the same letters or symbols carved on them. Most of the boundary stones are recorded on maps, although not all of them have survived, while as previously stated, some exist on the moor that are not recorded on any maps. Therefore it was proposed for the purposes of this survey, to give all boundary stones and their sites a unique number irrespective to whether they actually still exist

7 See the bibliography in the appendices for all map references.

11 on the ground. These sites and stones were then plotted on master-copy maps (Ordnance Survey 1907 maps) of each area of Common Land.

3.2 Numbering the boundary stones

There is no easy way of numbering these boundary stones, although it was agreed that it would be useful to have some form of identification that would help the surveyors to identify where each stone was positioned. To that end, it was decided to number the boundary stones and their sites by the official Common Land number followed by a number to indicate which stone within this area it was.8 For example the boundary stone in the centre of the Trippet Stone circle on Manor Common was numbered 183/3. No. 183 indicates the official county registration number for Manor Common, while the 3 represents the number of the stone on that common. However problems occur when boundary stones divide different areas of common land and decisions have had to be made, as to which piece of common land the stones should be recorded under. Therefore, the numbering scheme adopted is purely to identify the boundary stones that are part of this survey and has no bearing on ownership, legal boundaries or rights.

3.3 Identifying the boundary stones for photography Because the boundary stones are almost identical pillars of granite, many carved with the same letter or symbol, it was found essential to label each one with its unique number for the photographic record. Only the face carved with letters or a symbol was photographed. The labels placed beside each boundary stone gave the name of the common land, the stone’s unique number and the face that was being viewed. For example, Peverall’s Cross has a letter G carved on its eastern face and is therefore labelled 142/1/E. The 142 indicates that the stone is on Trehudreth Downs; the 1 indicates that it is the first stone recorded on this area of common land, while the photograph is taken viewing the eastern face of the stone. Without these labels it would be very difficult to identify individual stones from a photograph.

8 The Common Land registers are held by Cornwall County Council and are accessible to the public by appointment, other local authorities also hold copies. The registers give details of the area covered by the map, such as ownership, acreage, names and addresses of commoners and their common rights to the land.

3.4 Recording the boundary stones

Between the months of March 2005 and February 2006, all the areas of common land were surveyed and approximately two-thirds of the total number of boundary stones identified in the desk-top survey were located. The survey was carried out by the project team, which consisted of professionals and volunteers. Each boundary stone was examined; often the letters or symbols carved on the stones were virtually invisible without close inspection, being masked by lichens or vegetation. Sometimes however, with oblique sunlight, the letters and symbols became clearly visible, while rubbing ones fingers across the stones also helped identify the carving. In most cases mud was rubbed into the incised characters so that they would stand out in the photographs. Early attempts to highlight the symbols in chalk having proved unsuccessful. It should be noted that neither method causes any damage to the stones as the first shower of rain erases all signs of the visit. Each boundary stone was measured, and the alignment of the characters carved on the stones noted on recording sheets.

3.5 Mapping of the boundary stones

Having no access to digital mapping, it was decided to produce hand-drawn maps of each area based on the Ordnance Survey 1907 maps, for the purposes of this report. These allowed for each boundary stone to be clearly identified without the distraction of the unnecessary detail (for our purposes) contained on the OS maps. The position of each stone was accurately recorded with a ten digit national grid reference (NGR) with the aid of GPS (Ground Positioning System) satellite navigation system and plotted on the hand drawn maps of common land in this report. The NGR for each boundary stone is also recorded on the data sheets in the appendices.

4. Research The research into the boundary stones on Blisland Commons focused on the four main questions:

• When were the boundary stones set up? • Who was responsible for having the boundary stones set up?

13 • Why were the boundary stones set up? • What do the letters and symbols on the boundary stones represent?

4.1 Dating of the boundary stones

A variety of different sources were used to help identify when individual boundary stones were set up.

• Large scale maps of the areas of common land indicated which individual boundary stones were existing by a particular date. However there are no large scale maps known of this area before the parish tithe maps of the 1840s, and as previously stated, some boundary stones have been missed off maps, so that their absence does not always mean that they did not exist.

• Documentary evidence also helped to place boundary stones within a chronological time frame, when their existence is recorded in a dated document. For example a Manor of Blisland rental dated 1817 records the existence of a boundary stone with the letter G at Temple Water.9

• The landowners initials or symbol carved on a stone was related to documentary evidence of when the land was acquired, purchased or sold.

• Finally, each boundary stone was examined, the way they were quarried, cut, drilled and split, their style and the crispness of the carving all help to determine their age.

4.2 Ownership of the Commons

At the start of this project it had been assumed that all the letters or symbols carved on the boundary stones represented individual landowners or manors. To prove this hypothesis some knowledge of the landowners and when they acquired a particular area of common is required. The research concentrated on the following sources:

• Family and manorial records

14 • Parochial histories • Biographical accounts • Church and churchyard memorials • Family history and genealogy societies

4.3 Reasons for the boundary stones

To understand why these boundary stones were set up required examination of a combination of maps, documents and books from a number of different sources. The research needed to ascertain whether any of the boundary stones related to industrial or mining activity, whether they marked areas of pasture, farms, manors, parish boundaries or other unusual feature.

A major part of the research took place at the following establishments:

• Cornwall Record Office, Truro. • Truro Reference Library. • The Royal Institution of Cornwall’s Courtney Library, Truro.

9 Courtney Library, Royal Institution of Cornwall, Glenacross collection no. MO/1/40.

15 5 Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs

5.1 Situation Trehudreth Downs is situated on the northern side of the A.30 highway from Bodmin to Launceston, four and a half miles from the former, and one and a quarter miles south-east of Blisland churchtown. Greenbarrow Downs is situated on the north-eastern side of Trehudreth Downs while Newton Downs is situated to the north of Trehudreth Downs and to the north-west of Greenbarrow Downs. All three areas of downland adjoin and were formerly part of one large downland area. To the north-east of both Newton Downs and Greenbarrow Downs is Manor Common, while to the north-west of Trehudreth Downs and to the west of Newton Downs was formerly Durfold Common which was enclosed prior to 1840. Greenbarrow is divided from Manor Common to the east by a stream running northwest between the inbye land of Newton and Deacons.

5.2 Landscape/topography

These three tracts of granite upland consist of short acid grassland with gorse and heather regenerating as a result of recent grazing reductions. Both Trehudreth and Greenbarrow Downs are at a height of over 250 metres, but slope steeply downwards to a valley in the north where they meet the inbye land of Wallhouse and Durfold as well as the boundary with Newton Downs.

One of the outstanding features of this common are the wide ranging views, from the heart of Bodmin Moor sweeping across to the north Cornwall coast. From the north-west of Trehudreth Downs, there are fine views of the parish church and village of Blisland nestled in a wooded area below Pendrift, with on the horizon, the Camel Estuary and Port Isaac Bay. To the north, from both Trehudreth and Greenbarrow, the village of Delabole can be seen with its nearby wind-farm and also further to the north-east, the higher ground at Davidstow. In the distance, the sky-line is dominated by the great tors of Roughtor and Brown Willy, while in the fore ground can be seen Manor Common and Hawkstor.

16 5.3 Archaeology/industry

Both Trehudreth and Greenbarrow Downs are rich in archaeological features. Many of the boundary stones on the western side of Trehudreth Downs stand on earlier medieval banks. These earth banks, which have evidence of ditches on each side, marked the boundaries of a medieval field system and one can still identify ridge and furrow plough marks running west to east across some of the old fields. To the south-east, and running parallel to the A.30, is another medieval earth bank that marks the parish boundary. On the higher ground there are several Bronze Age ritual monuments including cairns, barrows, menhirs (standing stones), stone settings and stone rows (Herring and Rose: 2001, 24). The two prominent barrows on the summit of Greenbarrow may indicate how the area obtained its name.1

The landscape is also scarred by man’s industrial exploits. Stone cutting or splitting can be seen sporadically throughout the downs, where granite boulders having been drilled, split and later abandoned. Set in the boundary hedge that runs north from Peverall’s Cross, where fields nos. 1253, 1309 and 1310 meet, is an unfinished millstone. Near the south-west corner of Trehudreth Downs are several prospecting pits that are on a similar alignment to the old China Clay works at Burnt Heath on the opposite side of the A.30. To the north, near Wallhouse and in the valley dividing Trehudreth from Newton Downs, there are open mine workings and finger dumps probably for tin and copper. On the eastern side of Greenbarrow an old China Clay works can be seen with its sun-pans and settling tanks and a leat that fed water to the site running from the A.30.2 Here, during the early part of the twentieth century, power was transported from a waterwheel at Durfold across the downs by a system of flat rods, under the A.30 to feed the Greenbarrow China Clay works.3

1 The two barrows on the summit of Greenbarrow Downs are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Cornwall no.916.

2 When boundary stones were re-erected in the valley between Greenbarrow Downs and Manor Common, quantities of China Clay was found when digging the holes.

3 Brewster, C. (1975) Bodmin Moor: A Synoptic study and report of a moorland area, p.317.

17 5.4 Trehudreth Downs

Trehudreth is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Trewderet (Gover: 1948, 96),4 the name containing the Cornish place-name element tre ‘estate, farmstead’ and possibly a personal name (Padel:1985, 96). Trehudreth Downs is registered as Common Land no. 142 in Cornwall and is today estimated to be 215 acres.

For the purposes of this survey, the boundary stones marking the boundary between Trehudreth Downs and Greenbarrow Downs have been recorded under Greenbarrow and likewise those on the boundary of Newton Downs under Newton.

Trehudreth Downs is bounded on the west by enclosed fields or inbye land around the farms of Penstroda and Poldue. To the north it is bounded by the inbye land around Wallhouse and also by boundary stones nos. 142/15, 142/16 and 144/12 that divide Trehudreth from what was formerly Durford Common which is now enclosed.5 On the north-east boundary, additional boundary stones nos. 144/12, 143/1, 143/4, 143/5, 143/6 and 143/7 mark the boundary between Trehudreth and Newton Downs. To the east a row of boundary stones nos. 144/9, 144/10, 144/11 and 144/12 divide Trehudreth Downs from Greenbarrow Downs. The A.30 highway from Bodmin to Launceston acts as the boundary on the south side of the downs. On the western side of the downs are a number of medieval earth banks, the remains of a former field system. The outer boundary banks of these fields have been reinforced by a series of twelve boundary stones, each placed on the old hedge or bank line.

4 Gover Place-names, see Bibliography. Domesday Book Cornwall, 1979 edited by Caroline and Frank Thorn from a translation by Oliver Padel, published by Phillimore, Chichester, p. 124c.

5 See (fig. 8) showing the map of Trehudreth Downs, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs and the associated survey data sheets in the appendices for the location of these boundary stones.

Figs. 2,3 and 4 Shows boundary stones with the marks of the Morshead family, James Hayward and the Manor of Blisland.

To the far south-east corner of Trehudreth and stretching onto Greenbarrow Downs is another medieval earth bank that marks the parish boundary between Blisland and Cardinham. This boundary continues along to the main road and then continues along the southern end of Greenbarrow between the modern A.30 and the road to Temple village (old A30). Boundary stones mark this parish boundary, although only one exists on Trehudreth Downs: no. 142/12.

Out of the sixteen boundary stones identified on Trehudreth Downs, fourteen still exist. As previously mentioned, twelve mark an unenclosed strip of land down the western side of the Downs – the boundary of a medieval field system, - while one of the stones is the twelfth century Peverall’s Cross6 which was also adopted as a manorial boundary stone (see fig. 5). Another boundary stone stands on the parish boundary and one marks the northern boundary near Wallhouse. A second stone at Wallhouse was enclosed and is feared lost, while another

6 Peverall’s Cross is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cornwall no.203.

19 stone on the parish boundary close to the A.30 road was probably lost at the time of road improvements during the last century.

The Peverall’s Cross is by far the oldest boundary stone at Trehudreth and displays the letter G carved on the monument’s eastern face just below the cross-head, while a letter W can be identified on its western face, against the hedge. The letters represent Gilbert, the Lord of the Manor of Trehudreth, and Wallis, the Lord of the Manor of Barlendew. Therefore this medieval stone cross not only marks the boundary of the two manors, but also the two parishes of Blisland and Cardinham, and it is also a wayside cross marking the highway. Of the remainder of the boundary stones that mark the western strip of land at Trehudreth all but two carry the mark of either Morshead (M↑↑↑P) or Hayward (HP).7 However, two stones that stand midway along this strip of land both also display MX for the Manor of Blisland. A map indicating the layout and orientation of the stones on this strip of land at Trehudreth Downs is shown in fig. 6. Fig. 5 Peverall’s Cross

7 See pages 81 and 82 for information regarding the Morshead family and the Haywards.

Fig. 6 Shows the layout of the boundary stones that mark the western strip of land that was formerly a medieval field system at Trehudreth Downs.

5.5 Greenbarrow Downs Today, Greenbarrow Downs is registered as Common Land no.144 and estimated to be 110 acres. The name Greenbarrow was first recorded in 1301 as Greneburgh in the Calendar of Inquisitions post mortem (Gover: 1948, 94). The name is English and means ‘grenn hill’ (or possibly) ‘barrow’.

A row of boundary stones, nos. 144/9, 144/10, 144/11 and 144/12, marks the boundary between Trehudreth Downs and Greenbarrow Downs running from south to north and down

21 into the marshy valley bottom, where it meets the boundary with Newton Downs. The northern boundary dividing Greenbarrow with Newton Downs is marked by another row of boundary stones, nos. 144/12, 143/1, 143/2 and 143/13. The north-eastern boundary between Greenbarrow and Manor Common has a natural boundary - a stream running from the south-east to the north-west, however, this has been supplemented by an additional row of stones, nos. 144/5, 144/6, 144/7 and 144/8. The south and south-eastern boundaries are bounded by the A.30 highway from Bodmin to Launceston.

Of the twelve boundary stones recorded under Greenbarrow Downs, nine still exist. One stone, no. 144/11, is missing on the boundary between Greenbarrow and Trehudreth Downs on the northern slope leading down towards Newton Downs. The other two boundary stones, nos 144/1 and 144/5, were situated close to the A.30 highway and have probably been lost during road widening schemes.

Today, three boundary stones remain marking both the western and eastern boundaries of Greenbarrow Downs. The western stones display the mark of the Morsheads (M↑↑↑P) and Hayward (HP), while the eastern stones display the mark of the Manor of Blisland (MX) and Hayward (HP). Two stones standing adjacent to the old A.30 also mark the parish boundary and display the marks of both Morshead and Hayward. One stone, no. 144/4, which stands against a hedge of the inbye land near Greenbarrow Farm, has a G for Gilbert displayed on its eastern face, while on the western face the characters have clearly been altered from W for Wallis to an HP for Hayward. The same practise has taken place at stone no. 144/9 with again a W substituted for HP (see fig. 7).

Fig. 7 To the left, shows a broken boundary stone that once displayed a W for Wallis, later altered to HP for Hayward.

22 5.6 Newton Downs The settlement of Newton is first recorded in 1284 in the Assize (Plea) Rolls as Newaton. The name is Old English niwa tun for ‘new housestead’ (Gover: 1948, 95). Newton Downs is registered as Common Land no.143 and is estimated to be 36 acres. Newton Farm has become well known through Margaret Leigh’s autobiographical publication about moorland farming life entitled Harvest of the Moor.8

The western boundary of Newton Downs is marked by a row of boundary stones, nos. 143/1, 143/4, 143/5, 143/6 and 143/7. The southern boundary is marked by stones, no’s 143/1 and 143/2, while the eastern boundary by stones, nos. 143/2, 143/3 and 143/8. Out of the eight boundary stones recorded that marked Newton Downs, only five survive; the remaining three are missing. All the missing stones, nos. 143/5, 143/6 and 143/7, once stood on the western boundary. Although stone no. 143/7 is missing, its stump still remains in situ; having evidently been snapped off at ground level.

The boundary stones on the western, southern and eastern boundaries all display the marks of Morshead and Hayward, with only one stone, no. 143/3, on the eastern boundary displaying the Manor of Blisland mark.

8 Leigh, M. (1937) Harvest of the Moor, G. Bell and Sons Ltd., London.

Fig.8 Map displaying the boundary stones on Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs.

24 5.7 Analysis On Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs the boundaries between the areas of common land were all marked by boundary stones are shown on the tithe map and are before 1840; these were later supplemented by further boundary stones. It is also clear that from land ownership, many boundary stones or posts were set up by one landowner, with initials carved on one face only, and that neighbouring landowners added their marks to the stones at a later date. This is because, although some boundary stones are shown on the tithe maps, they also display the initials of landowners who didn’t at that time own the land, but later acquired it.

An early row of boundary stones mark the boundary between Trehudreth and Greenbarrow, which continues across Newton Downs, with an additional stone at Wallhouse to indicate the boundary of the former Durfold Common. These boundary stones, nos. 144/9, 144/10,

144/12, 143/6 and 143/7, display the mark of Morshead9 M↑↑↑P on the Trehudreth side and an HP for Hayward on the outside (Greenbarrow and Durfold side), where the P is suggested to mean either post or property.

The Morshead family acquired the Manor of Trehudreth along with the manors of Barlandew and Cassacawen in 1780 after marrying into the Treise Family.10 However in 1809, Sir John Morshead (1747- 1812) allegedly lost his fortune gambling in London and was forced to sell much of his estate in Blisland. His younger brother, General William Morshead (1748-1822), purchased Lavethan while the manors of Barlendew, Cassacawen and Trehudreth were sold to John Wallis of Bodmin, an Attorney at Law.11 The Morshead family did not regain the manor of Trehudreth until 1847.

This would suggest that the row of boundary stones dividing Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Durfold was set up before 1809, as the stones are all marked on the 1840 tithe map and display the Morshead mark. Although the mark of James Hayward H or HP is carved on the

9 The mark of the Morshead family M↑P is acknowledged in the judgement of the Trehudreth Commons court case that took place at Bodmin between 1926 and 1927.

10 Polsue, J, (1867) Parochial History of the County of Cornwall, Vol.I, p.68.

11 ibid

25 reverse side of these stones, this mark must have been added at a later date as Hayward did not purchase any manors in Blisland until 1840.

A second row of boundary stones mark the boundary between Greenbarrow Downs and Manor Common and three of these, stones nos. 144/6, 144/7 and 143/3, are also shown on the parish tithe map of 1840. Each has MX carved on the east or Manor Common side, while two of the stones display an HP on the west side. Blisland Manor Common has been vested in the manor of Blisland for hundreds of years and the boundary stones were probably set up at a similar time to the Morshead examples on the western boundary of Greenbarrow Downs, either at the end of the eighteenth century or the beginning of the nineteenth century. Again the letters HP were added later when James Hayward acquired Greenbarrow Downs.

An additional stone, no.144/4, set against the eastern boundary of Greenbarrow Downs beside the inbye land of Greenbarrow Farm, displays a G on its east side and a W that has been altered to an HP on its west side. In 1831, Davies Gilbert purchased the manor of Trehudreth and his mark G is also carved on the eastern face of the Peverall’s Cross on the western edge of Trehudreth Downs. Boundary stone no. 144/4 appears to indicate the south eastern boundary of Gilbert’s holding. When the Davies Gilbert lands were sold on the 3rd July 1874, the sale included land in Helland, St Mabyn and Blisland parishes.12

In addition to boundary stone no. 144/4, another two stones have been identified where a letter W has been converted into an HP. Furthermore on Kerrow Downs an H has been added to boundary stones already displaying the letter W. John Wallis (17**-1842) was an Attorney at Law and deputy recorder of the borough of Bodmin and according to Maclean, ‘exercised a considerable influence therein for many years’. He settled in Bodmin in 1783, son of Nicholas Wallis of Madron, Penzance. According to Maclean,13 Wallis ‘was an enterprising and speculative man’. In 1809, Wallis purchased several manors from Sir John Morshead, including the Manors of Barlandew, Trehudreth and Cassacawn. Being a local Attorney, Wallis would have been in the right place to hear about forthcoming sales of land. He may have even acted for the Morshead family. On the Tithe Apportionment schedule of 1841, John Wallis is

12 Details of the sale of Davies Gilbert’s lands in 1874 are at the County Record Office, CRO/GB/10/7, GB/10/5, and GB/11.

13 Maclean, Sir J. 1873, Deanery of Trigg Minor, Vol.I, p.322.

26 recorded as the landowner of Greenbarrow Common, a parcel of land no. 1269, measuring 107 acres, 3 rods, 0 perches.

James Hayward from Hertfordshire purchased the manor of Barlandew in 1840, that was previously owned by John Wallis; in 1846 he also acquired the manor of Cassacawn. It is clear that on several boundary stones Hayward had his initials added to stones with the Wallis mark, or alternatively had the Wallis mark altered or replaced with his mark H or HP.

In 1866, Hayward publicly announced his intention to view the boundaries of his unenclosed and common land at Blisland. He published hand bills that were circulated around the parish inviting interested parties to join him. On 30th May 1866, with neighbouring landowners, the viewing took place and following this, additional boundary stones were carved and erected soon after.14 At the Trehudreth Court case at Bodmin in 1926, a book labelled, ‘John Hayward Esq. Common Lands’ was presented as evidence and recorded this viewing of the common land and the subsequent setting up of additional boundary stones. This book, also records the fact that one Josiah Stevens erected boundary stones from Barley Well near Greenbarrow Farm, north to the water marsh near Newton and also between Newton Downs and Blisland Manor Common. Although the site of the Barley Well is no longer known, it was recorded in the perambulation of the Bounds of the Manor of Blisland in 1816 as a boundary point.15

The later (post 1840) boundary stones at Trehudreth, Greenbarrow and Newton Downs include additional stones that were set up to reinforce or supplement the two early rows, previously discussed. This included the re-alignment of the boundary at Newton Downs, the group of boundary stones marking the small medieval field system on the western edge of Trehudreth Downs16 and those boundary stones that stand on the parish boundary bank.

The additional boundary stones set up to reinforce the earlier (pre 1840) boundaries include stone no. 144/11 on the Trehudreth / Greenbarrow boundary and also stones nos. 144/5 and

14 Transcript of the Trehudreth Common Court Case dated 1926-27, p.87-8.

15 See appendices for Maclean’s account of the perambulation.

16 See fig. 6 and 8.

27 144/8 that marked the Greenbarrow / Manor Common boundary. All of these additional boundary stones are missing and no information regarding the letters that were carved on them exist, all that can be deduced is that they were set up between 1840 (date of parish tithe map) and 1880 (OS map).

On the maps drawn up during the 1965 Commons registration, a line can be seen between boundary stones nos. 144/4 and 144/9, dividing Greenbarrow Downs into two separate areas for grazing rights.17

At Newton Downs, the pre 1840 boundary with Durfold was marked by boundary stones nos. 144/12, 143/6 and 143/7. However, by the time of the 1880 OS map, this boundary had been re-aligned slightly to the east with additional stones nos. 143/1, 143/4 and 143/5 (lost). On the 1965 Commons Registration maps, boundary stones nos. 143/1, 143/4 and 144/12 are also used to indicate grazing rights.

The eastern boundary of Newton Downs with Greenbarrow Downs and Manor Common was also supplemented with additional boundary stones nos. 143/3 and 144/13. Boundary stones nos. 143/1 and 143/4 display the Morshead mark on the north-east or Newton Downs side with the Hayward mark on the south-east or Greenbarrow side and the west or Durfold side. This indicates that at the time these stones were erected, between 1840 and 1880, the Morshead family owned Newton Downs while Hayward owned Greenbarrow Downs and Durfold. This concurs with documentary evidence as, in 1847, Hayward acquired the manor of Cassacawn of which Durfold was a part.

The line of the parish boundary between Blisland and Cardinham has only one stone standing on it on Trehudreth Downs, however, this displays the Morshead mark, and it is also a manorial boundary stone rather than a parish boundary stone.

Perhaps the most interesting group of boundary stones are those marking the western strip of Trehudreth Downs: an area that was formerly an enclosed medieval field system. This twelve acre area of land is referred to frequently in the Trehudreth court case of 1926, which involved

17 The Common Registration maps for Blisland Commons can be viewed at Cornwall County Council or North Cornwall District Council.

28 grazing rights at the neighbouring Penstroda Farm. Out of the twelve boundary stones marking this area, the eight forming the northern and eastern boundaries of this area all display the Morshead mark on their north or east sides, while their opposite side facing inwards displays the Hayward mark. In the 1926 Trehudreth Court case, this piece of land is referred to as Hayward’s Moor.18

Yet were these boundary stones existing before 1840? They are not shown on the parish tithe map, but do exist on the 1880 OS map. Sir John Morshead sold the manor of Trehudreth in 1809, however after the death of Davies Gilbert in 1847, the manor was again purchased by the Morshead family. This time it was acquired by William Morshead of Lavethan, nephew of Sir John Morshead and son of General William Morshead. It appears that at this time this small area of land attached to the western side of Trehudreth belonged to Penstroda and was part of the manor of Barlandew, which was purchased by Hayward in 1840. The evidence therefore suggests that these boundary stones were erected after 1840, as they do not appear on the tithe map and before 1880. Later again, it appears that this strip of land was divided in two by the addition of further carved letters on two of the boundary stones midway along the strip of land. These extra marks MX indicate that the land was divided by the Manor of Blisland. According to the Trehudreth court case19 the Molesworths (Lords of the Manor of Blisland) purchased Penstroda in 1853, which would account for these additional stones.

It is interesting to note that nine of the twelve boundary stones stand on the existing medieval earth banks that formerly enclosed the land. Even though most of these banks are still visible today, the boundary stones were erected to reinforce this boundary so that there could be no doubt about ownership.

A Further two stones, the Peverall’s Cross (no. 142/1) and boundary stone 142/10, both display a W for Wallis on their western side. John Wallis was the previous lord of the manor of Barlandew, and these stones that today are set up against the western boundary hedge were at the time of the tithe map (1840) free-standing, as the hedge had not been built. The stones must have marked the extent of Barlandew land. The land up to Peverall’s Cross was

18 Trehudreth Court Case, 1926, p.2

19 Trehudreth Court Case, 1926, p.44.

29 enclosed by Collins between 1840 and 1880.20 For a short time in the early twentieth century, this land was owned by Mr Parkin of the Blisland China Clay Works, this may account for the prospecting pits near Peverall’s Cross.21

20 Trehudreth Court Case, 1926, p.152-53.

21 Trehudreth Court Case, 1926, p.127-28.

30 6 Kerrow, Metherin and Pendrift Downs

6.1 Situation

Kerrow Downs are situated approximately one and a half miles north-east of Blisland churchtown and adjoins Metherin Downs to the south. Together they are registered as Common Land no. 184 and are estimated to be 347 acres. The downs were formerly divided into two tracts of land known as Kerrow Downs and Black Downs.22 Pendrift Downs are situated 1 mile north of Blisland churchtown and adjoin Kerrow Downs to the west. Pendrift Downs are Common Land no.185 and is 205 acres.

Today, the registered area recorded as Kerrow Downs consists of three discreet tracts of downland, although the only part which is traditionally known as Kerrow Downs are the large triangular area of downland that stretches from its boundary with Metherin Downs, north to Delford (Delfey) bridge on the De Lank River. This area is bounded by the inbye land at Kerrow Farm in the south-west, the hedge on the western side of the road leading from Penquite to Delford bridge and the inbye land of Moss Farm and Bradford to the east. The registered area also includes a thin strip of land on the south side of the De Lank River between Delford bridge and Bradford, (locally known as the Parade), and another irregular area of land to the south-west of South Penquite, including Penquite Marsh, the Carwen china clay area and the Beacon. The boundary on the western side adjoins Pendrift Downs.

Metherin Downs an ‘L-shaped’ area of downland, bounded on the north side by boundary stones nos. 184/10 and 184/16, stand beside a low earth bank that divides Metherin Downs from Kerrow Downs. In the south and east, the downs are bounded by the inbye land belonging to Metherin, Carbaglet and Treswigger, while to the north by the inbye land at Moss.

Pendrift Downs are bounded in the north and the north-west by the De Lank River and its tributary, which also acts as the parish boundary between Blisland and St Breward. The western and southern boundaries are bounded by hedges and stone walls throughout their length, dividing the downs from the inbye land of Pendrift and Tregenna.

22 Parish Tithe Map for Blisland, 1840.

6.2 Landscape/topography

Both Kerrow Downs and Metherin Downs consist of undulating ground with gently rolling slopes, while Pendrift Downs slopes sharply running down to the De Lank river. From the Penquite side of Kerrow Downs there are distant views west to the Camel Estuary with, to the east, Manor Common and to the north-east, views of Carbilly and Carkees Tors. At the high spur of land known as the Beacon that rises to 222 metres with the land falling away on three sides, there are good views southward to Blisland church tower, nestled between the trees, with the A.30 and Cardinham Downs on the horizon. Also to the south and west are Lavethan and Shell woods while in the distance to the west are the parishes of Helland and St Mabyn. To the south-east there are views of Colvannick Tor at Temple and to the east Trehudreth Downs.

These areas of common land have a more diverse landscape than Trehudreth and Greenbarrow Downs or Manor Common. Kerrow Downs has short grass with widespread areas of mature gorse and bracken and is overwhelmed by gorse on its summit. Recently, one area of gorse on Kerrow Downs has been cleared and there are plans to cut further areas in the future. The small finger of land along the De Lank river consists of river bank, marsh and small trees. There is a further area of marshy ground, to the south of South Penquite, known as Penquite Marsh. Near Carwen, the area known as the Beacon has short rough grass on its summit but is engulfed with gorse and bracken on its slopes. At Metherin Downs, the short rough pasture is mixed with gorse and bracken, while the low lying area around Carbaglet is marshy. Pendrift Downs has a more stony landscape with outcrops of granite, but is also thick with mature gorse bushes, bracken and Hawthorn trees.

6.3 Archaeology/industry

On the summit of Kerrow Downs can be seen the remains of prehistoric settlements and field systems including stone and earth boundary hedges. There are also the remains of at least two Bronze Age round barrows. On Pendrift Downs there is also evidence of early occupation in the form of hut circles and also later field systems. The most prominent landscape feature, formerly a logan stone ( rocking stone), is the Jubilee Rock. This massive granite boulder that has lost its additional rocking stone was carved in 1810 with the arms of

32 George III on the top, with additional images of Britannia and the Cornish shield of fifteen bezants on the west or front face. On the sides of the rock can be viewed the arms of some of the families mentioned in this report, including both the Molesworths and Morsheads. In addition there are also the arms of the Boscawen and Rogers families. The Boscawen and Molesworth families the joint landowners of Pendrift at the time. There are also Masonic insignia and symbols of Industry, Agriculture, Plenty and Commerce. The whole work was carried out by local workmen and was the inspiration of Lieutenant John Rogers, son of John Rogers of Pendrift. The rock was carved to celebrate the golden jubilee of George III and to infuse patriotic spirit during the recruitment of volunteers to serve in the Napoleonic Wars. The Jubilee Rock has sloping ground on three sides and commands widespread views of the countryside including the Camel Estuary.

Early industry includes evidence of tin streaming on the river De Lank between Delford bridge and Bradford and the remains of China Clay workings near Carwen. Although there is evidence of stone splitting on Kernow Downs, far more can be seen at Pendrift, with the major granite quarries of De Lank and Hantergantick to the north across the valley.

6.4 Kerrow Downs

The settlement of Kerrow is first recorded in 1356 as Est Cayrou in the Assize (Plea) Rolls (Gover: 1948, 94). Ker, Cair, Gare or Gear is Cornish for ‘round’ or ‘fortification’ with Kerrow the plural form (Padel: 1985, 50-2), presumably referring to more than one fortification in this area.

Fifteen boundary stones were identified on Kerrow Downs and the additional registered areas. Of these, twelve survive and three are missing. Boundary stones nos. 184/6 and 184/7 are missing in the area known as the Beacon, while stone no. 184/15 beside the De Lank River, east of Delford Bridge has not been found.

Four of the surviving boundary stones, nos. 184/1, 184/2, 184/3 and 184/4, mark Penquite Marsh to the south-east of South Penquite Farm. Stone no. 184/3 is unmarked, while the remaining three stones display MX for the Manor of Blisland on one face and HW on their reverse face. The H and the W appear to have been carved at different periods, they are

33 believed to represent Hayward and Wallis. The W is much more worn and less clearly defined than the H on each stone. The only boundary stone to survive at the Beacon, no. 184/5, displays an H on one face and an MX on its reverse. Four stones still mark the old boundary division across Kerrow Downs, nos. 184/11, 184/17, 184/18 and 184/19. Both boundary stones 184/18 and 184/19 show MX on their south face, while on 184/18, the north face displays HW, and on 184/19 just an H is shown. Boundary stone no. 184/11 displays an M on its south-east face and WH on its north-west face, while stone no. 184/17 has been re-used as a gatepost and the letters are indistinguishable, being set in against the hedge.

Figs. 9 and 10 Boundary stones at Kerrow with W and H for Wallis and Hayward.

Finally, at the northern end of the downs, along the De Lank River between Delford Bridge and Bradford, are stones nos. 184/12, 184/13 and 184/14, all of which display MX on one face and an H on the other.

6.5 Metherin Downs

Only four boundary stones were identified on maps during the desktop survey, and of these only two survive. Boundary stones nos. 184/10 and 184/16, that mark the northern boundary with Kerrow, survive and display an M on one face only. Stones nos. 184/8 and

34 184/9, have not been discovered. The area where these stones stood is heavily overgrown with gorse.

6.6 Pendrift Downs

The settlement of Pendrift is first recorded in 1318 as Pendref in the Episcopal Registers of Exeter (Gover: 1948, 95). The name is Cornish and contains the place-name elements pen (an) dre, a phase meaning pen an tre ‘top of the village’ (Padel: 1985, 181). Pendrift is registered as Common Land no.185 and consists of 205 acres.

No boundary stones have been identified on these downs, probably because a major nature boundary, the river De Lank, acts as a boundary on the north and northwest sides of the downs, while the western and southern boundaries are marked by a strong stock-proof stone wall and hedge.

In addition, there is a carved gatepost in the hamlet of Pendrift, just below the downs and although strictly not within the survey area, it was felt worthwhile recording here. The gatepost is situated at SX 10424 74513, at an entrance to a derelict cottage and garden. The post is symmetrically shaped with a pyramidal top and has the Roman numerals from top to bottom reading IIXCCCC0V, as a date this does not appear to make sense.

Fig. 11 Map showing the boundary stones on Kerrow and Metherin Downs

Fig. 12 Map showing the boundary stones on Kerrow, Metherin and Pendrift Downs

37 6.7 Analysis The desktop survey revealed nineteen boundary stones altogether on Kerrow and Metherin Downs, with none on Pendrift Downs. Out of this nineteen, twelve survive on Kerrow Downs and two on Metherin Downs, leaving a total of seven missing. The Blisland parish tithe map shows ten of the nineteen boundary stones were in existence by 1840. Of these, three stones are on the area known as the Beacon, two on Penquite Marsh and seven divide the present Kerrow Downs into two discreet parcels of land (see fig.12).

Fig. 13 A copy of the Blisland Tithe Map 1840, showing the division of Kerrow Down and Black Down.

The tithe map clearly shows a boundary marked by boundary stones or posts running across Kerrow Downs from the south-west at Penquite Marsh to the north-east, west of Bradford.

38 The top or northern area of downland is named Black Down, while the south part is known as Kerrow Down. Below this, to the south, a dashed-line running parallel to this boundary indicates an old boundary bank that divides Metherin Down from Kerrow Down.

The surviving stones dividing Black Down from Kerrow Down display both the letters W for Wallis and H for Hayward on their north-east face; the letter W is much more worn and was probably carved on the stones prior to the Hayward mark. Documentary evidence confirms that Hayward acquired this land after the death of Wallis. The reverse face displays either the letter M for Molesworth or MX for the manor of Blisland. Here there does not appear to be any consistency; but as Molesworth held the manor of Blisland, either mark was used.

This is made more clear on the tithe map schedule, where the area known as Black Down, parcel no.1780 on the map was under the ownership of John Wallis; he in turn leased it to Zachariah Rogers, while a John Harris was the occupier. Although the tithe map records this area as Black Down, the tithe map schedule records it as Black Pool Common. There are two pools on the north side of this tract of land and the area is still known locally as ‘Blackapool’.23 Black Down is recorded as being 51 acres, 2 rods and 20 perches.

The parcel of land, no.105, on the tithe map known as Kerrow Down was owned by Sir William Molesworth in 1840 and according to the TA schedule was leased to Ann Lean and occupied by Jane Lanxon, the land measured 44 acres, 3 rods, 35 perches. Metherin Downs or Metherin Common, as it was recorded on the tithe map and schedule, was parcel no.122 and was also owned by Sir William Molesworth and leased to Ann Lean. It measured 42 acres, 0 rods, 3 perches.

Today, Black Down no longer exists as a discreet area of common land, and the whole area is known and registered as Kerrow Downs. It is clear again, that Hayward, who acquired the land from Wallis, added his initial to the boundary stones that already existed.

None of the four boundary stones identified on Metherin Downs by the desktop survey are shown on the tithe map of 1840. Boundary stones nos. 184/10 and 184/16 were both

23 The name Blackapool was mentioned in conversion with Mr Morley Rowe of Higher Metherin.

39 discovered lying down beside the old boundary bank and have recently been re-erected beside this bank.24 Each one has the letter M for Molesworth on its south-east face, indicting that Molesworth was the landowner of Metherin Downs. However, these boundary stones don’t appear to have been erected at the same time, only 184/16 is recorded on the 1880 map. Furthermore, the shape of the boundary stones are different and also the style of the letter M carved on each. As well as marking the boundary between Kerrow Downs and Metherin, they also indicate a boundary for grazing rights. Another two boundary stones, nos. 184/8 and 184/9 that no longer exist, appear to have defined a small area of Metherin Downs that was in separate ownership.

The boundary stones on the narrow strip of land between Delford bridge and Bradford are marked with an MX on the outside and a H on the inside, indicating that this strip of land was owned by Hayward, while the surrounding land was owned by the manor of Blisland. These stones do not appear on the TA map, but three of them (nos. 184/12, 184/13 and 184/14) are recorded on the 1880 Ordnance Survey maps, suggesting that they were set up between 1840 and 1880. Boundary stone 184/15 is only shown on the 1907 map, suggesting that it was erected later than the other three.

Three further boundary stones were identified at the Beacon during the desktop assessment, all of which, are recorded on the tithe map (nos. 184/5, 184/6 and 184/7), although today only one, no.184/5 survives. It was discovered lying down in bracken beside the road into Carwen and has recently been re-erected.25 The boundary stone displays a H on its western face (Beacon side) and an MX on its east side (Carwen side) suggesting that at the time they were set up James Hayward owned the Beacon, while some of the surrounding land was owned by Sir William Molesworth for the Manor of Blisland.

24 Boundary stones, no’s 184/10 and 184/16 were erected on Wednesday 9th November 2005.

25 ibid

40 7 Emblance Downs and Lady Down

7.1 Situation

Emblance Downs is situated two miles east of St Breward churchtown and to the west of Lady Down which it formerly adjoined.26 Both Emblance Downs and Lady Down are registered together as Common Land no.124 and are estimated to be 402 acres in total. Lady Down is situated one mile south-east of St Breward churchtown and to the west of Emblance Downs. A small strip of land that formerly linked the two tracts of Common Land is today in private ownership.

7.2 Landscape/topography Emblance Downs is a broad sweep of downland that gently rises from Ivey’s Plain in the south to the manorial boundary of Blisland with Hamatethy on the northern horizon. Here, King Arthur’s Hall27 is a prominent landscape feature that can be seen from all parts of the common. There is a broad marshy hollow in the centre of the downs, with a more extensive area of marshland on the western boundary, both a carpet of white cotton grass during the summer months. The red rushy marsh vegetation contrasts with the short turf on the higher ground where both gorse and heather is slowly emerging through the grass as a result of recent reductions in grazing levels. The area around the southern leg of the downs at Whiteheads is more stoney, with a number of granite surface boulders scattered across the pasture. The downs are surrounded by low rounded hills, with the craggy outlines of Brown Willy and Roughtor dominating to the north-east and Alex Tor to the north-west.

In contrast with Emblance Downs, the long narrow tract of land known as Lady Down is relatively level with only minor undulations. It has well grazed moorland turf with occasional large bushes of European gorse, with the exception of one small area of marsh to the north of Hallagenna Farm. Looking north from the hilltop where the prehistoric hut circles are there panoramic views of St Breward Church across the surrounding farmland. To the south a view

26 Emblance Downs and Lady Down were formerly joined together by an additional strip of Common Land and therefore were recorded as one area at the time of the Common’s registration in 1965. Today, the strip of land is no longer part of the Common.

27 King Arthur’s Hall is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cornwall no.81.

41 of an old crane’s jib, in the now defunct Hantergantick quarry, is a reminder of St Breward’s once rich granite industry.

7.3 Archaeology/industry Although King Arthur’s Hall is actually on King Arthur’s Down in the Manor of Hamatethy, it features significantly in the landscape of the Manor of Blisland. The rectangular earthwork is considered to be originally an early medieval animal pound for the hundred of Trigg, later retained as a pound for both the manors of Hamatethy and Blisland.28 Here straying animals from either manor would be impounded with a fee payable for their release.

Just to the south of King Arthur’s Hall is a medieval earth bank running west to east and dividing the Manor of Blisland from the Manor of Hamatethy. Both Blisland and Hamatethy are recorded in the Domesday Book suggesting that this boundary may be very early. Compared with the earth banks on Trehudreth Downs, this bank is very much more substantial. A similarly broad earth bank, originally a continuation of the former, can be seen on Lady Down at Irish, dividing Lady Down from the Treswallock Downs, part of Hamatethy. In addition to these medieval boundary features, there are also the visible remains of medieval field systems to the north of Leaze and below Mount Pleasant and Priest’s Hill. Within these old fields are two stone circles, one of which is damaged.29 Close by there is an old turf stead – a rectangular platform surrounded by a drainage ditch where turf would have been stacked to dry out before being taken back to the homestead for winter fires, while to the west of Leaze Farm is an open cist grave and several hut circles. To the north of Ivey, at the area known as Ivey’s Plain, there is another medieval earth bank of smaller proportions that formerly enclosed an area of land around the farm.

There is little evidence of industry on Emblance Downs, although Herring30 has identified the remains of a leat running parallel to the old manorial boundary bank near King Arthur’s Hall. This, he suggests, formerly fed a tin streaming works to the north of Leaze.

28 Herring, P.C. (1986), An Exercise in Landscape History: Pre-Norman and Medieval Brown Willy and Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.

29 These stone circles are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Cornwall nos. 123 and 397.

30 Herring, P.C. (1986), An Exercise in Landscape History: Pre-Norman and Medieval Brown Willy and Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, p.127.

At both ends of Lady Down there is evidence of earlier settlements, cairns, hut circles and enclosures. Again, there is little sign of industry on Lady Down except for the occasional stone splitting, although just below Lady Down to the south are the granite quarries of Hantergantick and De Lank that have been major employers in the parishes of both St Breward and Blisland - St Breward granite adorning many of the most prominent structures in London, including Tower Bridge and the Thames Embankment.31

7.4 Emblance Downs The name Emblance is first recorded in c.1580 in the Early Chancery Proceedings as Emlands, and according to Gover (1948, 104) the name is possibly Old English efn or emn ‘smooth’ + ‘land’.

The north side of Emblance Downs is bounded by a series of boundary stones that run from the marsh on the western boundary, across to a tributary of the river De Lank at the eastern boundary near Mount Pleasant and Priest Hill. These closely follow the line of the medieval bank that marks the boundary between the manors of Blisland and Hamatethy, and several of them are positioned right on the medieval boundary bank. Just below and to the east of King Arthur’s Hall a second earth bank runs east and joins another earth bank that formerly enclosed a medieval field system above the existing inbye fields to the north of Leaze. The western boundary of Emblance Downs is marked by a fence that runs north-south through an area of marsh, where it joins the boundary of inbye land at Bolatherick. The southern boundary is also marked by the enclosed fields or inbye land around Whiteheads, Ivey and Bedrawl Farms. The eastern boundary is bounded by the fields and inbye land at Leaze.

There are nineteen boundary stones recorded on the maps of Emblance Downs and of those only two are missing. The stones can be divided into three groups: those that mark the manorial boundary / the northern boundary of Emblance Downs, a row that follow the marshland on the western boundary, and a further group that is set up on the medieval boundary bank on Ivey’s Plain.

31 Methven, D. and Bousfield, D. 1988 ‘The De Lank Granite Quarries’ in Pamela Bousfield (ed) A History of St Breward: The life of a moorland village, p.101.

43 The western group of stones within the marsh area include boundary stones nos. 124/1, 124/2, 124/11 and 124/13. Today stone no. 124/1 remains missing, while stone no. 124/2 is enclosed on private land. All three of the surviving stones display the letter M for Molesworth on their eastern face. At the northern boundary, stone no. 124/4 on the south- east corner of the inbye land of Lower Candra has been removed, but may be the additional boundary stone recorded as no. 124/20 that stands one field to the west of the same boundary hedge and is not shown on any of the maps that were examined. Boundary stone no. 124/6 has been broken off at ground level and only the stump can be identified, while boundary stone no. 124/21 is a modern granite way marker set up in 1994. Of the remaining stones on the northern boundary, stones nos. 124/3, and 124/12 display an M on their south face. However, stone 124/3 is buried in the hedge up to the M and therefore could have a hidden X. Boundary stones nos. 124/5, 124/7, 124/8, 124/9 and 124/20 also display MX for the Manor of Blisland. Again, the boundary stones with M or MX are used apparently randomly.

Fig. 14 Boundary stone on manorial boundary between the manors of Blisland and Hamatethy displaying the letter M for Molesworth.

44 On the south side of Emblance Downs one stone stands on its own beside the roadside (no. 124/10). This prominent stone displays no visible marks, but has been included in the survey because it is a upright pillar that resembles all the other boundary stones on the down; it is marked as a ‘stone’ by Ordnance Survey. On Ivey’s Plain a group of five boundary stones, nos. 124/14, 124/15, 124/16, 124/18 and 124/19, are set up on the old medieval earth bank and all display a monogram consisting of the letters VI, with the I positioned across one bar of the V.

Fig. 15 To the left, One of the five boundary stones on Ivey’s Plain with the monogram VI.

7.5 Lady Down Maclean notes a reference to Lady Down as Lady Moore in c1550, however no knowledge of which lady this refers to has been discovered.32 The down is a long irregular strip of ground, running east to west and enclosed by the inbye land of Penquite, Hallagenna, Irish, Bolatherick, East Rose and West Rose.

Seven boundary stones are recorded on maps of Lady Down and an eighth was discovered during the survey. Today only five of the eight stones survive, while stones nos. 124/29, 124/30 and 124/33, have not been located. Boundary stones nos. 124/28, 124/31 and 124/32 all display the letters MX, with an M on the remainder. Boundary stone no. 124/32 stands beside a cattle grid on the western entrance to the down from Penquite, while boundary stones nos. 124/26, 124/27 and 124/33 mark a small area of land at the south-western end of the down. Boundary stone no. 124/28, outside the entrance to Blackthorn Cottage at Hallagenna, that was formerly removed in the early 1990s from its original position to a position two fields to the north, was returned in 1998. 33 At Irish Farm another medieval earth bank marking the northern boundary of Lady Down,

32 Maclean, Sir. J. (1873) The Deanery of Trigg Minor, Vol. 1.

33 Ref. Correspondence between David Attwell, North Cornwall District Council, St Breward Parish Council and Mrs P. Bousfield.

45 which is also the manorial boundary between the manors of Blisland and Hamatethy was marked by another three stones, nos. 124/29, 124/30 and 124/31. Today only stone no. 124/31, which was discovered lying down, survives on this medieval boundary, and is now situated on private land. This area was formerly part of the Common that adjoined Emblance Downs.

Fig. 16 Map showing the boundary stones on Emblance Downs.

Fig. 17 Map showing the boundary stones on Lady Down.

48 7.6 Analysis Altogether twenty-one boundary stones were identified on Emblance Downs by the desktop survey and another eight on Lady Down, and of these seventeen still exist on Emblance Downs and five on Lady Down. The good survival rate on these commons is probably because many of the stones mark the manorial boundary between the manors of Blisland and Hamatethy.

Of these stones, nine existed on Emblance Downs and six on Lady Down in 1840 (tithe map). Twelve of the boundary stones, three on Lady Down and the nine on Emblance Downs, were set up along the remains of a wide medieval bank that divided the two manors. Emblance Downs (manor of Blisland) from King Arthur’s Downs (manor of Hamatethy) and Lady Down (manor of Blisland) from Treswallock Downs (manor of Hamatethy) (see figs. 16 and 17). The remaining three boundary stones on Lady Downs divide a small rectangular area of land to the north of Hantergantick that must have once been in separate ownership.

Fig. 18 Medieval boundary bank dividing Lady Down from Treswallock Downs.

49 All the boundary stones that exist on the manorial boundary with Hamatethy are only marked on the south (manor of Blisland) side. Two have an M for Molesworth and seven have MX for the manor of Blisland, while stones nos. 124/29, 124/30, 124/6 and 124/4 are missing. The Molesworth family have held the manor of Blisland for many generations, so it is not surprising to find a mixture of boundary stones with both types of legend.34 On most boundary stones, the letters MX are different is size, the X being smaller and usually less defined. The X is therefore easily missed if viewing the boundary stones in poor light. The difference in size and shallowness of the X suggests that the letters were carved at different times and by different hands. Did the Molesworth’s add an X to clearly differentiate the land that was part of the Manor of Blisland from other land they owned?

Running down across a marsh on the west side of Emblance Downs are boundary stones nos. 124/11, 124/13 and 124/1 (missing). Only boundary stone no. 124/13 is shown on the 1880 OS map, while all three are shown on the 1907 map. These boundary stones display an M for Molesworth, but have been clearly cut by a different stonemason than those on the manorial boundary and show a much more rounded style of character without serifs (see fig. 19). Boundary stones nos. 124/1 and 124/11 were either set up subsequently or were omitted from the 1880 map.

Fig.19 Boundary stone displaying rounded M character, different in style to those on the manorial boundary.

The boundary stones on Ivey’s Plain stand on the remains of a medieval earth bank, with smaller stones between them, and appear relatively modern, perhaps early 20th century. The 1840 parish tithe map for St Breward shows the boundary as a dashed line with seventeen marks to represent the smaller unmarked stones, while the tall inscribed boundary stones are not shown (see fig. 20). Neither are these boundary stones shown on either the 1880 nor 1907 OS maps, suggesting that they are relatively modern. This is further supported by visual inspection, which shows the carving

34 Even Lt.Col. J. A. Molesworth St Aubyn was uncertain about the letters MX, in a letter to Mrs Bousfield in July 1985, he confirmed that boundary stones displaying an M represented his land, but was unsure about MX..

50 on the stones to be sharp and crisp and not weathered or worn. Each stone has the monogram VI carved on it. Should this read I V and does this represent Ivey? This boundary is also used for grazing rights and is recorded on the maps of the Commons Registration in 1965.

Fig. 20 A copy of the St Breward Tithe map showing the boundary on Ivey’s Plain.

The three additional boundary stones that are shown on the TA map at Lady Down mark a discreet area of land to the north of Hantergantick. (see fig. 21). Again these boundary stones are only marked on the outside face with the letter M for Molesworth. The inside face on the stones that would represent the owner of this small tract of land are not cut. On the tithe map this parcel of land is recorded as no.1368, part of the common of Lady Down pasture and held under Hantergantick; it was owned by Lady Grenville and leased to Christopher Stevens. Another boundary stone that is just beyond the area of study at Hantergantick was shown to the writer by Mrs. P. Bousfield. It serves as a gatepost to a cottage garden at Hantergantick and displays the letters PM on its north face, these letters have not been identified.

Fig.21 Parcel of land no. 1368 on the Tithe Map.

52 8 Manor Common and Menacrin Downs

8.1 Situation

Blisland Manor Common is situated five and a half miles north-east of Bodmin, beside the north side of the A.30 highway leading from Bodmin to Launceston. Menacrin Downs is situated and adjoining the eastern side of Manor Common and is within the parish of Temple.

8.2 Landscape/topography The common is a gently undulating broad ridge over which a minor road crosses from the A.30 towards Bradford and beyond. On the western side, Manor Common slopes down to a stream that divides the common from Newton Downs and Greenbarrow Downs and to the north-west, to the inbye land around the farms of Deacons and Treswigga. To the north, the common is divided by a boundary hedge from Carkees Down. The eastern boundary dividing the common from Menacrin Downs is marked by a stream that runs from the A.30, north past Hawk’s Tor Farm, towards Carkees Down. This boundary is also the parish boundary between Blisland and Temple. On the south side, the A.30 highway acts as the boundary.

Manor Common is covered by short rough grass and heather with increasing areas of Molinia that turns the downland a soft gold in the autumn. The broad expanse of common is generally stone free, but on the western slopes towards Treswigga and Newton increasing amounts of surface granite occur. Distant hills catching the eye from the common include Greenbarrow to the south-west, Roughtor, Brown Willy and Hawkstor to the north-east, and Temple Tor to the south-east.

Menacrin Downs is a broad low spur of land with marsh forming its perimeter on two sides. The western boundary of Menacrin Downs with Manor Common is marked by a stream that runs through a marsh. The northern and eastern boundaries are marked by a stream forming a deep channel that divides Menacrin from Hawkstor Downs, while the southern boundary is marked by the A.30 highway. Thick Molinia and prospecting pits, on the eastern side near Hawks Tor quarry, make walking difficult and hazardous in places.

53 8.3 Archaeology/industry Only one prominent archaeological feature exists on Manor Common and that is the Bronze Age stone circle known as the Trippet Stones.35 The circle consists of seven irregularly placed stones (formerly eight during the nineteenth century), with a boundary stone set up in the centre. To the west of the stone circle are many shallow pits allegedly dug during the second World War to prevent enemy aircraft from landing on the moors.36 On the edge of Menacrin Downs are the remains of a medieval field system that has been divided by the A.30 road and whose greater part lies on the slopes of Temple Tor. Within these fields are earth banks and clear signs of ridge and furrow ploughing. There is little evidence of industry on Manor Common other than a few prospecting pits at Nailybarrow.37 On Menacrin Downs there are signs of prospecting near the eastern boundary and tin streaming along the stream of the northern boundary. The eastern boundary of Menacrin is at the old Hawkstor China Clay works.

8.4 Manor Common Blisland Manor Common is registered as Common Land no 183 and is estimated to be 360 acres. The manor of Blisland is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Glustone and as Bloiston in the Pipe Rolls of 1186 (Gover, 1948, 92).

The western boundary stream is marked by a row of boundary stones, nos. 144/5, 144/6, 144/7, 144/8, 144/13 and 143/8, which are all recorded under Greenbarrow and Newton Downs. One additional boundary stone no.145/11, is recorded under Menacrin Downs marking the eastern boundary along the stream that also acts as the parish boundary. This stone is deeply sunk into the centre of marshland between Manor Common and Menacrin Downs.

35 Preston-Jones, A. (2000) The Trippet Stones Stone Circle, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council.

36 Harper, R. (1992) ‘The Boys of the Moors’ Blisland: The Past, no.10, January 2005.

37 CRO/MA/box/13 Correspondence from J. Hampton of Holton, Bodmin to Messers Venning and Goldsmith, land agents for the Molesworth family, regarding a lease to prospect for iron on Blisland Manor Common. They already had an agreement to prospect for iron on Shallow Water Common. In the correspondence, Mr Hampton was also enquiring about China Clay on Blisland Manor Common, implying that Mr Parkin may have already been granted the lease, dated 14th August 1873.

54 Ten boundary stones have been recorded under Manor Common all dividing off smaller parcels within the common: five divide off a small area of the common at the Trippet Stones and five dividing off a larger tract of land on the western side of the common, known locally as Nailybarrow. (see fig. 27 and fig. 28). The area by the stone circle consists of boundary stones leading south from the northern boundary of the common to the stone circle, which has one boundary stone no.183/3 in its centre re-erected in March 1999;38 and from here leads due east to the boundary with Hawk’s Tor Farm. These stones have been numbered, 183/1, 183/2, 183/3, 183/4 and 183/5 in this report. All five boundary stones near the Trippet Stones display an M for Molesworth on one face and a C for Lord Clinton on the reverse face. The larger area to the west known as Nailybarrow is marked by stones nos. 183/6, 183/7, 183/8, 183/9 and 183/10. Today, all five of the boundary stones still exist, although boundary stones nos. 183/8, 183/9 and 183/10 were found lying down. All but one of these boundary stones are carved with an H for Hayward on their western face and an MX for the Manor of Blisland on their east face. Boundary stone no. 183/9 has no mark on its east face.

Figs. 22 and 23 The boundary stone at the centre of the Trippet Stones, displaying C for Clinton and M for Molesworth.

38 Preston-Jones, A. (2000) p. 18

55 8.5 Menacrin Downs Menacrin Downs is registered as Common Land no 145 and estimated as being 151 acres. The settlement of Menacrin is first recorded in c1520 (Gover: 1948, 133) in the Early Chancery Proceedings as Menacryn, containing the Cornish place-name elements men ‘stone’ + cryn ‘dry’ or ‘withered’ (Padel: 1985, 70-1).

Out of a total of sixteen boundary stones that once marked the perimeter of Menacrin Downs, only nine survive. Two boundary stones on the northern boundary, nos. 145/8 and 145/9 are missing. A further four stones that marked the southern boundary along the A.30 highway, nos. 145/2, 145/3, 145/5 and 145/16, have been lost, probably when the highway was widened. Finally, another three boundary stones have been lost at the eastern end of the Downs, close to the entrance of the old Hawk’s Tor China Clay Works. The channel of the stream cuts deep into the ground here and there appears to have been some subsidence, which might possibly explain the loss of the missing boundary stones. However, all the area on the east side of Menacrin Downs is undulating and uneven, full of prospecting pits and excavations, with large areas of marshland in which it is difficult to locate boundary stones. A boundary stone, no. 145/11, that stands in the centre of the marsh, marking the parish boundary between Blisland and Temple, also acts as the boundary between Manor Common and Menacrin Downs, and has sunk so far down that only 0.64 metres is now visible. This stone displays an M for Molesworth on the west face and H for Hayward on its eastern face.

Only one stone survives on the northern boundary with Hawkstor Downs: no. 145/10 which displays an O for Onslow on its north face and an H for Hayward on the southern face. Two boundary stones near the A.30 mark the medieval field system that has been partially destroyed by road widening. The new road, bypassing Temple was built in 1828, and the boundary of the common shifted to the new line of the road and the remains of the fields on the northern side of the road were absorbed into the common. Both stones, nos. 145/4 and 145/12, display the letter C on one face.

At Temple crossroads, where the minor road from Temple village on the old A.30 crosses the present A.30 highway to Manor Common, stands boundary stone no.145/1, to the west of the cattle grid. This stone is on the boundary of Manor Common with Menacrin Downs and is also on the parish boundary between Blisland and Temple. The stone displays an H on its

56 northern face and an MX on the south face. There is evidence that at some time the lettering has been altered on the northern face, with cement disguising an earlier mark. Two stones stand on opposite side (south) of the A.30. One displays a letter H and stands on the eastern side of the minor road to Temple, some 100 metres from the highway.

Left, Fig. 24 Volunteer Graham Montague with Menacrin boundary stone displaying O for Onslow.

The second stone no. 145/15 was discovered lying on the wastrel on the western side of the road junction and is dated 1893. This stone has since been re-erected by contractors working for the Highways Agency.

Fig. 25 Stone beside the A.30 highway at Temple Crossroads with the date 1893 carved on it.

57 Fig 26 Map displaying the boundary stones on Manor Common and Menacrin Downs

58 8.6 Analysis Ten boundary stones or sites were identified on Manor Common and another sixteen on Menacrin Downs. Of these all ten boundary stones survive on Manor Common and a further nine on Menacrin Downs.

All ten of the boundary stones on Manor Common are shown on the Blisland tithe map, indicating that they were set up before 1840. However, only one boundary stone recorded under Menacrin Downs is shown on the tithe map for Temple. Interestingly, the ten boundary stones on Manor Common mark two discreet parcels of land that were cut out of the common.

In 1840, Sir William Molesworth was lord of the manor of Blisland and therefore owned Blisland Manor Common; but he does not appear to have owned these two discreet parcels of land which were separately assessed for tithes. The section on the north-east side of Manor Common, including part of the bronze age stone circle known as the Trippet Stones is an area recorded as parcel no.1301 on the TA map and schedule which was attached to Bedwithiel and owned by Lord Clinton, while leased to Zechariah Rogers. This rectangular area is recorded on the tithe map as being 65 acres, 1 perch and 12 rods (see fig. 27). The stones on the boundary of this plot have a letter M for Molesworth on the outside, and a letter C for Clinton on the inside indicating that Lord Clinton owned the area of land inside the boundary stones.

Lord Clinton was a title of the Trefusis family whose family seat was at Trefusis in the parish of Mylor near Penryn. Although recorded as Lord Clinton, he was usually referred to as Baron Clinton during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The letter C on each boundary stone could represent either the 15th, 16th, or 17th Baron Clinton (see chapter 11 for notes on the family).

The second parcel of land cut out of Manor Common, locally known as Nailybarrow or Nailyborough, 39 is on the western side adjoining Greenbarrow and Newton Downs. This parcel is a rectangular area running south-east from Treswigga, marked by six boundary stones, five on Manor Common and one under Newton Downs (see fig. 28).

39 Recorded as Nailborough in the manor of Barlendew, 1754, Maclean, 1873, I p.39.

Fig. 27 Copy of tithe map for Blisland showing Lord Clinton’s ground at the Trippet stone circle.

In 1840, this parcel of land, recorded as no.1608 on the TA map and schedule, was attached to Deacons and owned by John Cole; it measured 75 acres, 0 rods. 4 perches. It was occupied by the tenants of Barlendew. Four of the existing five boundary stones leading south-east from Treswigga have an MX for the manor of Blisland carved on their east face indicating that Sir William Molesworth, the lord of the manor of Blisland owned the Manor Common, while on the west face all five have an H for Hayward, indicating that at one time Hayward owned this parcel of land. Boundary stone no.183/9 does not have a mark on its east face, suggesting that either it was set up as a replacement stone by Hayward to replace an earlier stone, or the manor of Blisland mark has been erased.

However, as Hayward did not gain ownership of this area until after the date of the tithe map, his mark must have been added to the boundary stones already erected by Molesworth for the manor of Blisland. Although John Cole is recorded as the owner of this area of land in 1840, John Wallis was the lord of the manor of Barlendew, and eventually the land was acquired by Hayward when he purchased the manor. Today, both these tracts of land on Manor Common which are divided by boundary stones, are still in separate ownership.

60 Furthermore, the boundary stones marking Nailybarrow were also adopted as the boundary of grazing rights in the 1965 Commons Registration.

It is perhaps surprising to find a west Cornish family, heavily involved in mining, owning land on Bodmin Moor. Hence it is interesting to note that there are letters in the Molesworth Archive in the County Record Office suggesting that prospecting for Iron ore and China Clay were proposed and did take place on Manor Common.40 There is also physical evidence of prospecting in the Nailybarrow area of Manor Common where several pits can be identified.

40 CRO MA/Box/13, Correspondence from J. Hampton of Holton, Bodmin to J.J.E. Venning, Devonport, land agent for the Molesworth Estate.

Fig.28 Copy of Blisland Tithe map showing John Cole’s land on Manor Common known as Nailybarrow.

On Menacrin Downs, only one of sixteen boundary stones is recorded on the Temple parish tithe map of 1839. This stone, no. 145/1, stands inside a cattle grid and fencing at the entrance to Manor Common and Menacrin from the A.30 highway. The stone marks the boundary between the two commons and also the parish boundary. The stone displays an M on the south face for Molesworth and a W for Wallis later cemented over and altered to a H for Hayward on the north face. The boundary stone appears to be in the wrong alignment,

62 with the M for Molesworth facing away from Manor Common, but being so close to the entrance off the A.30 and with the installation of a cattle grid and fencing it is probable that the stone at some time has been relocated.

Only one boundary stone, no. 145/10, survives on the northern boundary of Menacrin Downs beside the stream that also acts as a boundary between Menacrin and Hawkstor Downs. This stone displays an H for Hayward on the Menacrin (south) side and an O for Onslow on the north side. At the time of the TA map, John Wallis owned Hawkstor Downs, although later it was acquired by Onslow. The transcription of the Trehudreth Court Case records a book that was presented as evidence labelled ‘John Hayward Esq. Common Lands’.41 In this book, Hayward records that a Josiah Stevens (probably his land agent) erected boundary posts against Hawks Tor Common in or about 1866.

In the middle of the marsh dividing Menacrin Downs from Manor Common stone 145/11 displays an M for Molesworth facing west towards Manor Common and an H for Hayward facing inwards towards Menacrin. From the book presented at the Trehudreth Court Case it is clear that James Hayward was the instigator of many of these boundary stones.

However, close to the A.30, where the southern boundary of Menacrin Downs meets the old earth banks of some medieval fields, two boundary stones (nos. 145/4 and 145/12) survive with the letter C carved on one face only, which could represent either Lord Clinton or the Collins family of Trewardale. Their appearance and style would suggest that they are somewhat later that those near the Trippet Stones. Boundary stone 145/12 faces north towards Menacrin Downs while stone 145/4 that was discovered lying down appeared to have been facing east. Were they both intended to indicate the ownership of the enclosed medieval fields or did Lord Clinton or the Collins family at one time also own Menacrin Downs? On the parish tithe map for Temple, these small areas of fields are recorded under the ownership of Sir William Molesworth and leased to John Tilley.

41 Today, the whereabouts of this small book is unknown.

63 9 Shallow Water, Brockabarrow Common and Sprey Moor

9.1 Situation

Shallow Water Common is situated to the north of and adjoins Brockabarrow Common, which is seven miles north-east of Bodmin on the north side of the A.30 Bodmin to Launceston road. Adjoining Brockabarrow Common to the east is Sprey Moor, bounded by a stream that runs between them. These three areas of common are the remotest and highest of the Blisland Commons, situated in the north eastern corner of Blisland parish. Originally, Brockabarrow Common was part of Shallow Water Common, but was divided off in the nineteenth century. Today Brockabarrow Common remains the largest area of Common Land within Blisland Commons at 574 acres and is registered as Common Land no. 165. Shallow Water Common is registered as Common Land no. 187 and consists of 440 acres, while Sprey Moor is Common Land no. 166 and is 256 acres. Sprey Moor was formerly a detached part of Cardinham, even though the land was within St Neot parish; today it is recorded on modern maps as part of Blisland parish, however, boundary stones suggest it is actually within the modern parish of Boventor.

9.2 Landscape/topography

The western boundary of Shallow Water Common consists of a marshy valley where the Warleggan River (River Bedalder) rises and separates Shallow Water Common from Hawkstor Downs. The northern boundary meets Scribble Downs where it is divided by a hedge and fencing. The eastern boundary follows the line of a stream dividing it from Butterstor Downs (alias Bottreaux Tor) and the stream to the west of the forest at Priddacombe. The southern boundary with Brockabarrow formerly had a boundary stone no. 187/1 marking its division. Today, this stone is missing and the line of the boundary is indistinct.

Brockabarrow Common or Downs rises steeply from the A.30 highway in the south to a three hundred metre high ridge that runs north-east across Shallow Water Common. To the west, the large pool at the Hawktor China Clay works is visible. To the north, there are views of Garrow Tor with Roughtor and Brown Willy in the distance, while to the east, across the valley, is the forestry at Priddacombe. The western boundary of Brockabarrow is also divided from Hawkstor Downs by the Warleggan River that rises on Shallow Water Common and flows south, under the new and old A.30 roads into the parish of Warleggan. The eastern

64 boundary follows the same stream from Shallow Water Common, on the west of Priddacombe south-east, before turning due south along a marsh marked by a row of boundary stones, dividing Brockabarrow from Sprey Moor. The southern boundary of the common is marked by the old A.30 road, east from Temple and the modern A.30. The main ridge of Brockabarrow and Shallow Water Common has relatively short grazed turf, although on the slopes there are increasing amounts of dense tussocky Molinia making walking difficult.

Sprey Moor is almost triangular in shape, and has short grass and slopes north towards the forestry and also west towards a wide valley where a stream acts as the boundary with Brockabarrow Common. The outlook from Sprey Moor is limited due to areas of forestry at both Stanning Hill and Priddacombe that block views of the distant hills. Its southern and south-eastern boundaries are bounded by the A.30 highway, which divides the moor from Great Lord’s Waste and Minzies Downs. A small area of Sprey Moor near Bolventor extends beyond the modern A.30, to its south side near Deep Hatches Farm. The northern boundary is marked by a stream that flows around the inbye land at Stanninghill and is also the parish boundary between Altarnun and St Neot. There are also a row of small unmarked granite boundary posts along part of the northern boundary (these are not included in the survey). The western boundary is marked by a stream that divides the moor from Brockabarrow Common and this is reinforced by a row of boundary stones recorded under Brockabarrow. While the north-eastern end extends as far as the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church at Bolventor.

9.3 Archaeology/industry

On the western slopes of Brockabarrow Common are the remains of a large prehistoric settlement with many round houses and small enclosures. Some of the houses are large and well-built, indicating that they could have been permanently occupied rather than seasonal.42 Near the summit of Brockabarrow Common are two small cairns. In the valley bottom close to Priddacombe there is evidence of extensive tin streaming, with the stream divided into channels, and re-routed to provide the necessary flows of water for the industry. The legacy of this former activity is a confused site with much of the ground disturbed, leaving mounds of gravel and a wider area of marsh causing considerable difficulty in locating the boundary

42 Herring, P. and Rose, P. (2001) Bodmin Moor’s Archaeological Heritage, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council, p.34.

65 stones, several of which may be buried. The adit of an iron mine appears on the eastern slope of Brockabarrow and extends a long way west into the hillside. At the northern end of the Shallow Water Common along the ridge there has been extensive turf cutting in the past. There is some evidence of prospecting on Sprey Moor, although this is not extensive. Turf cutting has also taken place there in the past.

9.4 Shallow Water Common

Shallow Water Common was first recorded in the Assize (Plea) Rolls in 1284 as aqua de caldewater. As noted previously, Shallow Water Common formerly included Brockabarrow Common, although today they are registered separately.

Six boundary stones beside the stream once marked the eastern boundary of Shallow Water Common, but of these, three are now missing (stones nos. 187/2, 187/6 and 187/7). Two of the boundary stones (nos. 187/4 and 187/5) that do survive display an M for Molesworth on the western face, with an O for Onslow carved on their eastern face. Boundary stone no.187/3 near Priddacombe displays an M on its western face and an R for Rodd on its eastern face.

Figs. 29 and 30 Boundary stones on Shallow Water Common displaying O for Onslow and R for Rodd.

66 9.5 Brockabarrow Common

The name Brockabarrow is first recorded in 1732 by Camden (Gover: 1948, 93) and means ‘Barrow of the badgers’. Brockabarrow is also mentioned in the perambulation of Blisland Commons in 1816.43

There are twenty-one boundary stones recorded marking Brockabarrow Common, of which only eleven survive. Several of the boundary stones that marked the southern boundary along the A.30 have been lost, probably due to road widening schemes: numbers 165/3, 165/4, 165/5 and 165/21, have not been located. On the eastern boundary, stones nos. 165/12, 165/15, 165/16, 165/17, 165/18, 165/19 and 165/20 are also all missing. Of those that survive stone no. 165/6, located below a large road sign to Colliford Lake on the northern side of the A.30, is the only one of the group that is different. It is a late parish boundary stone and has Blisland carved on its western face and the modern parish of Bolventor on its eastern face. Bolventor is a modern parish created in 184844 because of increased population associated with the mining industry. The boundary stone is one of a series that mark Bolventor parish and appear to be late nineteenth century. The remaining seven boundary stones, nos. 165/7, 165/8, 165/9, 165/10, 165/11 and 165/14, all have an M for Molesworth on their western face and a G on their eastern face. At the south-west corner of Brockabarrow Common is stone no. 165/1 which also displays a G, while to the east, along the old A.30, stone no. 165/2 remains uncarved.

Left: Fig.31 Boundary stone beside the A.30 that displays Blisland on its west face and Bolventor on its east face.

43 The perambulation of the bounds of the manor of Blisland, see appendices.

44 www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/Cornwall/Bolventor/index.

Fig. 32 and 33 Shows the tall boundary stones situated on the marsh between Brockabarrow Common and Sprey Moor.

9.6 Sprey Moor

Sprey Moor is first recorded in 1842 on the tithe map for St Neot as Spray Moor (Gover: 1948, 96). This area of common land is also known as Standing Ball on the Cardinham tithe map. For the purposes of this survey the boundary stones on the western boundary of Sprey Moor, nos. 165/6, 165/7, 165/8, 165/9, 165/10, 165/13 and 165/14, are recorded under Brockabarrow Common.

Omitting those mentioned above, only three boundary stones marking Sprey Moor are shown on maps. Stone no. 166/1 stands on the northern boundary, to the north of Stanninghill Farm, and displays a G. On the opposite side of the A.30, the ancient stone cross known as the Four Hole Cross (stone no. 166/2), was adopted as a boundary stone for Great Lord’s Waste and has GLW carved on it. This cross not only marks the manorial boundary between Sprey Moor and Great Lord’s Waste, but also the parish boundary between St Neot

68 (now Bolventor) and Cardinham.45 The remaining stone no. 166/3 is situated south of the Four Hole Cross at the turning to Colliford and is not marked.

Left: Fig.34 The Four Hole Cross that was adopted as a boundary stone between Sprey Moor and Great Lord’s Waste. It has GLW carved across its tenth century decoration.

On the southern side of the A.30 road and to the west of Deep Hatches Farm is a small strip of common that is part of Sprey Moor. Here two large standing granite stones dominate this small piece of common, and although neither of them has any signs of carving, they could have once marked the southern boundary of Sprey Moor with the enclosed land at Lower Minziesdown Farm.

45 The Four Hole Cross was re-sited in 1996 when the A.30 road was widened.

Fig. 35 Map showing boundary stones on Brockabarrow Commons or Downs

Fig. 36 Map showing the boundary stones on Shallow Water Common.

Fig. 37 Map showing the boundary stones on Sprey Moor.

72 9.7 Analysis

Out of the thirty boundary stones recorded on these three areas of common land, only one is recorded on the parish tithe map, indicating that by far the majority were set up after 1840. These boundary stones can be divided up into three groups: firstly those that mark the long boundary north along the stream dividing Brockabarrow Common from Sprey Moor and Shallow Water Common from Priddacombe and Butters Down, secondly those that mark the south-east boundary of Brockabarrow Common along the old A.30, and thirdly the group of three stones that mark the extent of Sprey Moor.

The main characteristic of the larger group that follows the valley from the A.30 north to Scribble Downs are their size. All these boundary stones were originally at least two metres in height and have been set up beside the stream, often in extremely marshy ground. Although some have sunk down into the marsh, many still stand over two metres above ground level. Boundary stone no. 165/8 measures 2.02M (6ft 8ins) above ground level, while no. 165/10 measures 2.02M (6ft 7³ins) above the ground, and another three on Brockabarrow Common and Shallow Water Common all measure over one and half metres, even though they stand in marsh (see figs. 32 and 33). All the stones in this group are also similar in width and thickness, suggesting that they were all cut and set up at the same time. It is also probable that in this case both landowners initials would have been added before the stones were erected, as the marshy ground would have made it very difficult for a stonemason to work them in situ.

All the surviving boundary stones have a letter M for Molesworth carved on their western face, indicating that the Molesworth family owned both Brockabarrow and Shallow Water Common; and indeed the Molesworth Estate still own this land. On the reverse or eastern face there are one of three different letters carved: R, O or G. R is the mark of the Rodd family from Trebartha in North Hill, who in 1828, purchased large tracts of land in Altarnun and St Neot parishes from Dame Elizabeth Morshead of Blisland.46 Here, Rodd owned Priddacombe on the east of the stream. The O is for Onslow of Hengar in St Tudy parish. Sir Henry Onslow inherited both the manor of Hametethy and Penrose Burden from Mrs

46 Latham, B. (1971) Trebartha: The House by the Stream, p.95, Francis H. Rodd purchased 1565 acres of land in Altarnun and St Neot, including Trewint Moor and land around Codda.

73 Louisa Sarel in 1847. This included Butters Tor (Bottreaux Tor) that lies to the east of Shallow Water Common.

The letter G , however has proved more difficult to identify. Initially the G , it was thought to represent Davies Gilbert as G is his mark on the boundary stones on Trehudreth and Greenbarrow Downs, but no record has been found to suggest that he ever owned Sprey Moor. When his lands were sold at auction at Bodmin in 1874 (CRO-GB/10/3/1), there was no mention of Sprey Moor, and the only lands the family owned in this area were in Blisland, Helland and St Mabyn.

Alternatively, a chance note written by Joseph Polsue in his Parochial History of Cornwall about the manor of Pengelly in St Neot parish could possibly identify the anonymous Mr ‘G’ as Gregor. Polsue (1870, 409) stated that in 1788, a Sir Lionel Copley Bart. sold the manor of Pengelly in St Neot parish to Francis Gregor of Trewarthenick in Cornelly parish and later in 1866, his nephew by marriage, Francis Glanville Gregory sold it again to a Mr G. F. Remfrey together with its ancient rights over Great and Little Trenay, Gills Wood and Spray Moor. However, these ancient rights would have been rights of pasture and turbary etc., and the reference does not necessarily mean that Gregor owned Sprey Moor. Another ‘outsider’ is the Revd. Richard Gerveys Grylls, vicar of St Neot who owned extensive areas of land within St Neot parish.

The 1842 Cardinham tithe map schedule records Sprey Moor by the name ‘Standing Ball’; the joint landowners of this common land were Humphrey Williams and Thomas Runnalls47 and the moor was leased by John Bunt. Thus if Gregor did purchase the land here, it must have been after 1842. And if this is correct, and if Gregor then sold the rights to Sprey Moor in 1866, as Polsue suggests it would indicate that this row of boundary stones was set up between 1844 and 1866.

47 In this case Standing Ball alias Sprey Moor was ¼ owned by Humphry Williams and ½ owned by Thomas Runnalls.

74 As the Molesworth family held all the land on the western side of the boundary, they may have been responsible for setting up all the stones, in this united group, while causing some arrangement were their neighbouring landowners: Rodd, Gregor and Onslow.

Only two of the six boundary stones that stood on the southern boundary of Brockabarrow Common still exist. Of these, no.165/2 is uncarved, while no. 165/1 has the letter G carved on its southern face. Again, it is uncertain who this G represents. There is no evidence that Gilbert ever owned land in Temple parish, but according to Polsue (1870, 409), Gregor’s manorial rights through the manor of Pengelly extended into Temple parish, so he is perhaps the best candidate. Another boundary stone with a letter G is no.166/1, on the north east side of Sprey Moor, to the north of Stanning Hill. Again, this probably refers to Gregor.

On the opposite side of Sprey Moor beside the A.30 is the ancient stone cross known as the Four Hole Cross. Carved on the western face of this ancient monument is GLW for Great Lords Waste. It marked the boundary between that area of waste land and Sprey Moor, which today is reinforced by the A.30 trunk road. In 1996, when the A.30 highway was widened to a dual carriageway, the cross was re-positioned and turned through 90 degrees. Previous to this, the face with the initials GLW faced south towards Great Lords Waste. No landowners’ name appears on the St Neot tithe apportionment schedule for Lords Waste. Another boundary stone displaying the letters GLW, but not within the area of study, is on the road leading from the A.30 to Colliford reservoir, beside a car park near Simon’s Stone. It is indicative of perhaps a series of boundary stones that marked Great Lord’s Waste. A second boundary stone to the south-west of the cross and on the road junction between the A.30 and a minor road to Colliford Lake is unmarked.

Furthermore, on a rental of the manor of Blisland dated 181748 and part of the Glencross collection at the Courtney Library, a boundary stone is noted displaying the letter G at Temple Water, which appears to be boundary stone no.165/1. This evidence indicates that boundary stones existed on Blisland Common several years before the tithe maps were drawn.

48 RIC MO/1/40, Glencross Collection.

75 10 Trencreek Downs

10.1 Situation

Trencreek Common is situated three miles north-west of Bodmin and adjacent to the A.30 highway from Bodmin to Launceston. This very small area of common is triangular in shape and is bounded by the A.30 highway on the south-east, by a minor road leading to Blisland from the A.30 to the north-west, and an old track to the east that joins the two roads.

10.2 Landscape/topography

The whole area is completely covered in gorse and the track, which once linked the two roads, is today impassable. The small area is so densely scrubbed over that no landscape features can be identified and it is virtually impossible to walk through.

10.3 Archaeology/industry

No evidence of either archaeological or industrial remains can be detected due to the gorse.

10.4 Trencreek Downs

Trencreek Common is registered as Common Land no. 140 and is less than 10 acres in total. The common takes its name from the settlement of Trencreek first recorded in 1471 (according to Maclean) as Trencruk (Gover: 1948, 96). The name contains the Cornish place- name elements tre ‘estate, farmstead’ + cruc ‘barrow, hillock’ (Padel:1985, 73): although it is not certain what the second element refers to.

The desk top survey identified three boundary stones, all of which mark the south-east boundary along the A.30 and formerly divided Trencreek Common from Cardinham Downs.

Left: Fig. 38 A boundary stone on Trencreek Downs that displays a MX for the Manor of Blisland and a C for Edward Collins.

As extensive gorse has totally engulfed this Common, only one of the three stones were located during the survey. The only one that could be found is stone no.140/1, that stands close to the junction of the minor road to Blisland and the A.30 highway. The boundary stones displays the letters MXC on one face only.

Fig. 39 Map shows the boundary stones on Trencreek Downs

77 10.5 Analysis

Very little has been discovered about this small area of common. In 1840, Trencreek Common included a second area of land to the north of the minor road that leads from the A.30 to Blisland. The tithe map schedule names Sir William Molesworth as the owner and John Lean as the lessee. The only boundary stone that has been located displays an MX, this indicates that the land was once attached to the Manor of Blisland, of which, Sir William was the owner. The X is unusually large, and the letters are different in character to the many situated on Blisland Commons, most have a smaller X in relation to the M. The letter C that is carved below the MX is considered to represent the Collins or Edward Collins family who later acquired the land.

78 11 Who were the landowners?

Who were the landowners who put their marks to the boundary stones? Throughout this report references have been made to various landowners and the letters they had carved on these boundary stones to indicate ownership of land.

A brief biography is presented below for those landowners that have left their marks or initial on these granite posts. Here the writer has concentrated purely on the period when the boundary stones were likely to have been set up, from the late eighteen century through to the beginning of the twentieth century. Several of these men were prominent and important figures in the nineteenth century Cornwall.

11.1 Gilbert

Davies Gilbert (1767-1839)

The mark of Davies Gilbert, a G, appears on several boundary stones on Blisland Commons, including the eastern face of Peverall’s Cross, which was adopted as a manorial bound stone.

Davies Gilbert was born Davies Giddy in 1767, the son of a curate at St Erth, the Revd. Edward Giddy. Revd. Giddy died in 1814 at the age of 80 years (Polsue,1867, I, 361). In 1809, Davies Giddy married a wealthy heiress Mary Ann Gilbert and later in 1816 at the age of 49, as a condition attached to her uncle’s estate, had to change his name from Giddy to Gilbert to inherit her uncle’s fortune.49

Davies Giddy was recorded as being the Bodmin member of the Lords, Bounders, Adventurers and Tinners that met for a general meeting in Penzance on the 28th July 1810.50 As Davies Giddy he represented Bodmin as a Member of Parliament in 1806, 1807 and 1812, and as Davies Gilbert in 1818, 1826, 1830 and 1831.

Davies Gilbert was a prominent figure both in Cornwall and Sussex, where he later made his home, and nationally as a politician. He inherited the manor of Eastbourne and lived

49 Todd, A. C. (1967), p.7. 50 Rowe, J. (1993) Cornwall in the Age of the Industrial Revolution, p.179.

79 at the manor house there.51 Davies Gilbert became deputy Lieutenant for both the counties of Cornwall and Sussex. He was also at one time High Sheriff of Cornwall and President of the Royal Society. He was a learned man and compiled a parochial history of Cornwall in four volumes.52 As a Member of Parliament for Bodmin for twenty-five years, he was chairman of many parliamentary committees. According to Todd, ‘he was a new man who walked the ‘corridors of power’ : when industry, technology and science were changing for all time the face of Britain’.53

Davies Gilbert was also a mathematician and scientist and became a patron of Cornish engineers Richard Trevithick, Jonathan Hornblower and Humphry Davey. He supported Telford’s project to strengthen the Menai Suspension bridge and assisted in choosing Brunel’s design for the Clifden Suspension bridge.

Davies Gilbert purchased the Manor of Trehudreth in 183154 and held it until his death in 1839. The manor of Trehudreth passed to his son John Davies Gilbert who owned Trelissick House, but was later acquired by William Morshead in 1847. In the early 1830s, Davies Gilbert spent £12,000 on buying farms in the parishes of Blisland, Helland and St Mabyn, land that stayed in the Davies Gilbert family for three generations until it was sold in 1874.55

John Davies Gilbert (1811-1854) The son of Davies Gilbert purchased Trelissick House and made it the family home in Cornwall while also continuing to hold the manor house at Eastbourne. A brass memorial plaque to him and his family is situated on the east wall of the south aisle of Feock parish church. On the Tithe Apportionment schedule of 1840 he is recorded as the landowner of Trehudreth Common, parcel no. 1591, 194 acres, 3 rods 11 perches.

51 Today the manor house is known as the Towner Art Gallery and is owned by Eastbourne Borough Council 52 Gilbert, D. (1838) The Parochial History of Cornwall, founded on the histories of Mr Hals and Mr Tonkin with additions and various appendices in 4 volumes., J. B. Nickols and Son, London. 53 Todd, A. C. 1967, p.7. 54 Maclean, 1873, I, p44.

80 Carew Davies Gilbert (1852-1913) Carew Davies Gilbert the grandson of Davies Gilbert resided at Trelissick and inherited lands in Blisland parish. Although a brass memorial plaque to him is situated on the east wall of the chancel at Feock Church, he is buried at Eastdean in Sussex. He was largely responsible with the Duke of Devonshire for building the town of Eastbourne. On the 2nd July 1874, the lands of Davies Gilbert were auctioned at the Royal Hotel (Sandoe’s) Bodmin and included farms in Blisland, Helland and St Mabyn.

11.2 Morshead

The Morshead mark consists of M↑↑↑P and is acknowledged in the judgement of the Trehudreth Commons Court Case that took place in Bodmin between 1926-27.56 The mark is sometimes referred to as M broadarrow P – Morshead post or property. In the early part of the sixeenth century the Morshead family resided at Penhergett in St Ive parish.

William Morshead (1722-1784) The Morshead family acquired the Manor of Trehudreth along with the Manors of Barlandew and Cassacawen in 1780 after marrying into the Treise Family.57 The manors were vested in the Treise family of Lavethan and the Lord of the Manor, Sir Christopher Treise did not have an heir to the estate. According to Polsue,58 Sir Christopher bequeathed the manors to his sister Charlotte who married William Morshead in 1745, on the other hand Maclean59 states that it was Olympia Treise of Lavethan that William married.60 Nevertheless, the Morshead family acquired Lavethan and the three manors. William Morshead was Sheriff of Cornwall in 1753.

Sir John Morshead (1747-1812) In 1784, when William Morshead died the manors passed to his eldest son, Sir John Morshead. However in 1809, Sir John lost his

55 Todd, A. C. (1964), ‘Davies Gilbert – Patron, Politican and Natural Philosopher’, JRIC (NS) Vol.1V, pt.4., pp.452-480., and Todd, A. C. 1967, ‘Beyond the Blaze’ A Biography of Davies Gilbert, Bradford Barton, p. 273. 56 Transcript of the Trehudreth Commons Court Case, Bodmin, 1926-1927. 57 For the History of the manors of Barlendew and Cassacawn, see Maclean’s Deanery of Trigg Minor vol.1, pp. 39-47. 58 Polsue, J. 1867, p.68 59 Maclean, Sir John, 1873, The Deanery of Trigg Minor, vol. I, p.80. 60 Hawthorne, H. 1985, ‘Memories of times past’ in Blisland the Past, no4, 2004

81 fortune , allegedly through gambling in London, and was forced to sell much of his estate in Blisland.61 He died on the Isle of Man where he is buried. Sir John Morshead was made a baronet in 1784 and was Lord Warden of the Stannaries of Cornwall; he was reputed to be one of the largest landowners in the west of England. He was the Bodmin Member of Parliament in 1790 and 1801, and was also Surveyor General to the Prince of Wales in 1796.

General William Morshead (1748-1822) Sir John’s younger brother purchased Lavethan while the Manors of Barlendew, Cassacawen and Trehudreth were sold to John Wallis of Bodmin (Attorney at law).62

William Morshead (17**-18**) In 1847, after Davies Gilbert’s death, the manor of Trehudreth was acquired by William Morshead of Lavethan, son of General William Morshead and Jenefer Hussey of Blisland. In 1867, the property was still owned by William Morshead of Lavethan.63

Today, although no members of the Morshead family remain in Blisland, their name lives on within the parish. The Morshead coat of arms can be seen in the window of the south transept of Blisland parish church which was converted from the Lavethan Chapel to a mortuary chapel for the Morsheads. Their coat of arms also appears on the Jubilee Rock at Pendrift Downs.64

11.3 Hayward James Hayward (18** - c.1878) The boundary stones with either an H or HP on the west side of Trehudreth Downs, Kerrow Downs, Greenbarrow Downs, Menacrin Downs and Newton Downs all refer to James Hayward. In 1840, James Hayward of Loudwater House in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire purchased the Manor of Barlendew from John Wallis and later acquired the Manor of Cassacawn in 1846.65 Loudwater House was built in c.1780 and is a massive late Regency house, today converted into 12 separate properties. In 1873,

61 Chadburn, R. 1983, ‘General William Morshead’ reprinted in Blisland the Past , No. 2004, p.14. 62 Lysons,D.,and S. Magna Britannia, Cornwall, vol.III, 1814. 63 Polsue, J. 1867, p.68 64 For the Morshead pedigree, please see Maclean, 1873, I, 81. 65 Maclean, 1873, I, 42.

82 Maclean cites Hayward as the Lord of the Manor of Barlendew,66 although Polsue, incorrectly records that William Morshead of Lavethan was Lord of the Manor of Barlendew and Cassacawn as well as Trehudreth. Kelly’s directory of 1873, names Hayward as one of the principal landowners in the parish of Blisland, although by the time of the 1878 edition this had changed to the trustees of James Hayward.

According to Brewster (1975, 315), between1870-1880, Hayward allowed Frank Parkyn to work his land for China Clay at Durfold and also at Temple between 1861-1881. However, as Hayward was dead by 1878, his trustees must have been involved in the latter years.

11.4 Molesworth

The Molesworth family have owned the Manor of Blisland since December 1755, when they acquired the full title from John Cock.67 The boundary stones marking their land usually have an M for Molesworth or an MX for the Manor of Blisland. These boundary stones appear to have been erected sometime between the time of the 6th baronet and the 11th baronet. It is difficult to ascertain which of the baronets was responsible for erecting which group of boundary stones. Several of them died young and at one time Polsue records that there were three Lady Molesworths in residence.

Sir John Molesworth (1729-1772) 5th baronet, acquired the Manor of Blisland in 1755, by his 2nd marriage to Barbara, daughter of Sir John St Aubyn of Clowance. From 1839, their name was changed to Molesworth St Aubyn by royal licence.

Sir William Molesworth (1758-1798) 6th baronet and son of Sir John Molesworth. Sir William is buried at Egloshayle. He was MP for Cornwall in 1784-90, and High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1791.

Sir Arscott Ourry Molesworth (1789-1823) 7th baronet, died at the young age of 34 years at Pencarrow and was buried at Egloshayle. Sir Arscott was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1816. According to Lyson, Sir Arscott was the Lord of the Manor of Blisland in 1814.68

66 Maclean, 1873, I, 39. 67 For a history of the manor of Blisland, please see Maclean’s Deanery of Trigg Minor, vol.I, p28-37. 68 Lysons,D.,and S. Magna Britannia, Cornwall, vol.III, 1814, 25.

83 In 1816, he conducted a perambulation of the bounds of the Manor of Blisland (see appendices).

Rt. Hon. Sir William Molesworth (1810-1855) 8th baronet and son of Sir A. O. Molesworth, he married Andalusia Grant, a young widow and singer at Drury Lane, London. Sir William was a radical reformer and MP for East Cornwall during the first reform election of 1832. Later he was MP for Leeds, and Southwark. He became the first Commissioner of Public Works and later the Secretary of State for the Colonies and was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1842. Upon the death of Sir William in 1855, the estate passed to the Revd. Hugh Molesworth, cousin of Sir William.

Revd. Hugh Henry Molesworth (1818-1862) succeeded his cousin as 9th baronet, he was he was baptised at St Breock and died at Little Petherick. He was rector of St Petroc Minor, Little Petherick between 1842-1862.

Revd. Paul Wiliam Molesworth St Aubyn (1821-1859) 10th baronet married Jane Frances daughter of G. W. Francis Gregor of Trewarenick. The Revd. Paul was the vicar of Clapham and rector of Tetcott, Devon.

Sir Lewis William Molesworth (1853-1912) 11th baronet and son of the Revd. Paul Molesworth. He is buried in the churchyard at Cornelly beside the Gregor family. He was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1899 and MP for Bodmin between 1900-1906.

11.5 Clinton Lord Clinton owned the small parcel of land at the Trippet Stone Circle on Manor Common that is marked by boundary stones with a letter C for Clinton. Lord Clinton is a title of the Trefusis family of Trefusis in the parish of Mylor. Their home is near Trefusis Point which juts out into Falmouth Harbour. They were often known by the title Baron rather than Lord.

The family were prominent landowners in the Redruth area and were involved in the mining business. Several street names as well as a public house bear their name, Trefusis Terrace, Trefusis Road, Clinton Road and Clinton Arms.

84 Robert George William Trefusis (1707-1797) 17th Baron Clinton, he was buried in the Trefusis vault at Mylor. Robert Trrfusis was MP for Truro between 1735-41.

Robert Cotton St John Trefusis (1787-1832) 18th Baron Clinton, he was a Lieutenant in the 16th Dragoons, and bore the great banner at the funeral of George III in 1820 and the banner of St George at the funeral of George IV.

Charles Rudolph Trefusis (1791-1866) 19th Baron Clinton, in 1840 he was recorded as the landowner at the Trippet Stones at the time of the parish tithe map.

Charles Henry Rolle Trefusis (1834-1870) 20th Baron Clinton.

11.6 Wallis The mark of John Wallis of Bodmin, W can be seen on several boundary stones on Blisland Commons including the west side of Peverall’s Cross and boundary stones on Greenbarrow Downs, Trehudreth Downs and Kerrow Downs.

John Wallis (17**-1842) John Wallis was the son of Nicholas Wallis of Maddern (Madron parish near Penzance) who settled in Bodmin in 1783. Wallis succeeded George Browne, attorney at law to his business in Bodmin and, ‘was an enterprising and speculative man’. He was also deputy recorder of the borough of Bodmin and according to Maclean, ‘exercised a considerable influence therein for many years’. 69 In 1828, Wallis was also Vice Warden of the Stannaries and was mayor of Bodmin six times, in the years, 1808, 1816, 1824, 1827,1831 and 1833. In 1809, he purchased several manors from Sir John Morshead, including the Manors of Barlandew, Trehudreth and Cassacawn. He regularly held manor courts a practise that was later to be discontinued. In 1816 he is named as Sir Arscott Molesworth’s Under Steward and took part in the perambulation of the manor of Blisland (see appendices). On the Tithe Apportionment schedule of 1841, John Wallis is recorded as the landowner of Greenbarrow Common., parcel no. 1269, 107 acres 3 rods, 0 perches.

69 Maclean, 1873, I, 322

85 Revd. John Wallis (1789-1866) . Although, no documentary evidence exists to suggest that the Revd. John Wallis inherited any of his father’s lands at Blisland, a note about him has been provided here to reduce confusion between them, they were both important men in nineteenth century Bodmin. The Revd. John Wallis was the son of John Wallis of Bodmin and was born at Edgehill, in Fore Street, Bodmin where he was an Attorney at Law and articled to his father. Later in 1817, he entered Exeter College Oxford where he gained an MA and took up the curacy at Blisland under the Revd. William Pye and later that year became vicar of Bodmin. Revd. Wallis is well known for compiling, both the Bodmin Registers and Cornwall Registers, which are full of topographical and statistical information about Bodmin and the surrounding parishes and also generally on Cornwall. He died at the age of 77 at Bodmin vicarage and was buried at Berry Cemetery. He was vicar of Bodmin between 1817 and 1866. Revd. John Wallis was Mayor of Bodmin in 1822. The Revd. Wallis had a twin brother Capt Henry Wallis who was died in Madras, as well as two additional brothers Christopher and Preston, both of whom were Attorneys at Law, while a sister, Louisa married a William Morshead.

11.7 Rodd Only one boundary stone has been recorded during this survey that displays the letter R for the Rodd family. The Rodd family held Trebartha Estate in the parish of North Hill and purchased large areas of land from Dame Elizabeth Morshead in Altarnun parish. They held the Manor of Trevague in Altarnun.

Francis Hearle Rodd (1766-1836) Francis was the eldest son of Francis Rodd by his first wife Jane Hearle and died at Trebartha and is buried at North Hill.70 He was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1818, and was a partner in William, Foster &Co, Copper smelters and manufacturers of Swansea.

Revd. Edward Rodd (1836-1842) The Revd. Edward Rodd was born at Trebartha Hall and was Rector of Dittisham, St Just in Roseland and Lamerton. He died at Trebartha and is buried at North Hill.

Colonel Francis Rodd (1806-1880)

70 Boase, G. C and Courtney, W.P. 1878, Bibliotheca Cornubiensis.

86 Francis Rodd was born at St Just in Roseland, he inherited Trebatha on the death of his father the Revd. Edward Rodd in 1842 and held the estate for 38 years. He was High Sheriff of Cornwall between 1845 and 1846, and was also deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and a Justice of the Peace.

11.8 Collins The mark C for Collins can be seen with the MX for the Manor of Blisland on a boundary stone at Trencreek Downs. The boundary stones displaying a C at Menacrin near the A.30 could also be those of the Collins family or of Lord Clinton.

Revd. John Basset Collins (1735-1790)

Trewardale descended from the Robyns to the Brownes, the late George Browne’s sole heiress Elizabeth married John Basset Collins. He was Rector of Camborne 1771-1790, also Priest in charge of Temple 1784-1790, and died at Glynn, Cardinham.

Revd. Charles Mathew Edward Collins (1815-1877)

Upon the death of his uncle Commander Edward Collins R.N. in 1850, the Revd. Charles assumed by royal licence the name of Edward in addition to and before Collins. He died at Trewardale and is buried at Blisland. The Revd. Edward Collins was largely responsible for the discovery of China Clay in Blisland. In 1860, he invited Andrew Cundy, then prospecting in Roche, to investigate the Blisland area for clay.71

11.9 Onslow The Onslow family acquired the manor of Hamethethy and Penrose Burden from Mrs Sarel the widow of Matthew Michell.72 The mark O for Onslow appears on boundary stones at Shallow Water Common and Menacrin Downs.

Sir Richard Onslow (1741-1818) Sir Richard married Anne, daughter of Matthew Michell a banker. He had a fine Naval career, and was promoted to Commander in 1761, Rear-Admiral in 1793, Vice Admiral in 1794 and Commander-in Chief at Plymouth in 1796. Sir Richard was created a baronet with the freedom of the City of London in 1799.

71 Joseph, P. (2001), p.37-67.

87 Sir Henry Onslow (1785-1853) 2nd baronet Sir Henry Onslow inherited the manors of Hametethy and Penrose Burden from Mrs Louisa Sarel, who died in 1847.

Sir Henry Onslow (1809-1870), 3rd baronet, of Chittern, Wiltshire and Hengar Cornwall is buried at St Tudy. He was succeeded by his son of the same name, the second Sir Henry married Ellen the daughter of Samuel Peter Esq. and having only daughters, his property passed to his brother Sir Matthew, Richard Onslow.73

11.10 Gregor The Gregors of Trewarthenick in the parish of Cornelly were extensive landowners in Cornwall. According to Polsue, the north aisle of Cornelly church is known as the Gregor aisle.74 The Gregor’s held the rights to Sprey Moor, and the mark G on boundary stones separating Shallow Water Common from Sprey Moor are assumed to represent them.

Francis Gregor (1760-1815) Francis Gregor was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1788 and an MP for sixteen years between 1790 and 1806, he died without children. He was MP for Bodmin in 1782. Francis Gregor spoke at the General Meeting of the Lords, Adventurers and others concerning the Tin and Copper Trade of the County of Cornwall on 8th December 1792.75

Gordon William Francis Gregor (1789-1865) The Gregor estates passed to Loveday Sarah Glanville of Catchfrench when the last of the Gregors died and Loveday married Gordon William Francis Booker, who in 1826 assumed the name and arms of Gregor family. He is buried in Cornelly churchyard.

Many of these gentleman, were connected either socially, through marriage or business. They would have attended the same public schools and universities. Several of them were Members of Parliament at the same time or Justises of the Peace and some held the office of High Sheriff. They were also often involved in mining activities, Rowe (1993,

72 Maclean, 1873, I, 364,380. 73 Polsue, 1872, IV, 269. 74 Polsue, 1867, I, 249.

88 6), stated that those not directly involved in industrial pursuits, ‘acted as agents and officials of the stannary organization, notably the Boscawens and Gregors as well as the less well-known families of the Spreys, Coles, and Collinses who by the early nineteenth century were intermarrying with the older gentry, holding lucrative church livings, and even sitting in Parliament’.

75 Rowe, J, 1993,173

89 12. Practical Work

12.1 Re-erecting boundary stones

As part of the boundary stone project, it was agreed that every effort would be made to re- erect all the boundary stones that were discovered lying down or leaning at an acute angle. In most cases these stones have been used by cattle as rubbing posts. The animals’ continuous trampling around the stones had lead to hollows being formed that filled with water, while the sheer weight of the animals was enough to push over the boundary stones.

To date, the project team has discovered nineteen boundary stones lying down or leaning at an acute angle, or these twelve have been re-erected, giving priority to those which are more accessible, while further stones will be re-erected during the summer of 2006. With the current grazing regulations that restrict the number of cattle on the moors and their removal during winter months, the team hopes that once re-erected these boundary stones will not be threatened to such an extent by the cattle in the future.

All the boundary stones that were found lying down were examined and the letters on them identified so that when they were set up, the correct alignment could be achieved. In some cases, where they constitute part of a row of boundary stones, this has been easy; however with isolated examples, more documentary research has been needed to establish their alignment.

Fig. 40 A boundary stone being re-erected on Greenbarrow Downs.

90 Another problem has been that some of the sites have been so boggy or marshy that it has been difficult to find stable ground or indeed stones suitable to block the bottom of the boundary stones. On Newton Downs, boundary stone no. 143/3 was set up on a peaty, stone-less site, while when the team dug the hole for boundary stone no. 144/13 on the boundary between Greenbarrow Downs and Manor Common, it was through almost pure China Clay.

All of the boundary stones have been set up with the help of volunteers, aided with hand tools, ropes and blocks; only one stone required mechanical means.

Fig. 41 Volunteers re-erecting a boundary stone on Metherin Downs.

12.2 Naming the Commons The second part of the practical work was to employ a local stonemason to carve the names of each common on a suitable granite boulder. These boulders were identified during the survey of the boundary stones. The idea was that each name should be discreetly carved onto the granite to identify the common, but should not be too intrusive. A list of the locations of each stone with their national grid reference can be found in the appendices.

Fig. 42 Local stonemason, Ernie Hillson, carving the boulder on Newton Downs.

Fig. 43 Completed stone at Manor Common.

92 13. Creative Arts Project with Blisland School

The main aims of this element of the boundary stone project was to generate a greater sense of place between the pupils of the local school and their parish. This involved two distinct phases, one based on the written word, poetry, prose and the production of a calendar led by poet and author Victoria Field while the second was a practical project creating a boundary stone out of metal with artists and sculptors Gary and Thomas Thrushell.

13.1 Field trip to the moors On the 1st November 2005, the children of Blisland School went on a field trip to Trehudreth Downs on Bodmin Moor, led by Victoria Field with the assistance of David Attwell and local historians Peter Davies and Andrew Langdon. Here during the morning session the children were able to visit and record a series of boundary stones, developing an understanding of why they were needed and who they represented. Furthermore, they were introduced to the geology and natural history of the moor and learned about the Commoners rights.

Fig. 44 Local Historian, Peter Davies with children from Blisland School recording the boundary stones on Trehudreth Downs.

The children had lunch at South Penquite Farm, a moorland organic farm which also specialises in education visits. Here farmer Dominic Fairman introduced the children to the farm and showed them the cattle. This was followed by a question and answer session between the children and members of the local farming community and concluded with a demonstration by award winning sheep dog trialist, John Carter, with his dog Fly.

In the afternoon, the children visited Newton Farm which featured in the 1936 autobiographical account of Margaret Leigh’s life entitled Harvest of the Moor, eking a living on a subsistence farm. Here, Victoria Field read extracts from the book to the children, recounting the sparse lifestyle of a moorland farmer.

Fig. 45 Children from Blisland School visiting Newton Farm, the former home of author and farmer Margaret Leigh.

13.2 Storytelling and Poetry During the following week, Victoria made four visits to the school to develop the themes of this field day. This resulted in a range of work being produced by the

94 children including drawings, paintings, poetry and prose. This was later exhibited at an open day in the school on Monday 12th June 2006 and in Blisland Village hall, together with the results of the boundary stone survey on Saturday 17th June.

The culmination of this work was going to be produced as a story book by the children as a celebration of the project, however such was the quality and of the material produced and the enthusiasm of the children that a suggestion was put forward that a calendar should be produced instead. With the agreement of the project sponsors, the LHI, a calendar was produced for 2007, featuring the children’s work, old photographs of the parish and boundary stones. This calendar will be distributed to every family in the parish.

The production of the calendar has also given the older children the opportunity to visit the local comprehensive school, Bodmin College, at the invitation of their Arts department. Here the children were able to help digitise their images and artwork for the calendar.

13.3 Creative Boundary Stone The second phase of the arts element of the project was for the children to design and create a new boundary stone out of metal with the help of artists and sculptors Gary and Thomas Thrushell. This involved the children creating cardboard templates depicting moorland life, that were later reproduced in galvanised mild steel plate to form the boundary stone.

Fig. 46 Completed sculptured boundary stone at Blisland School, Waterloo.

95 The images included moorland rights, industry, wildlife and features.

The boundary stone was set up within a small pool of water, to reflect their natural positions on the open moor, outside the school canteen, and close to the public road at Waterloo, Blisland. A light was incorporated in the base of the metal feature to illuminate it. On Monday 12th June 2006, the feature was unveiled by Lady Molesworth St Aubyn of Pencarrow whose family is still one of the principal landowners of moorland in the parish.

96 14. Conclusions

These boundary stones, although not ancient, are clearly important historical and landscape features of Bodmin Moor and have been neglected for many years. Right at the outset of this project it has become clear that few landowners or commoners knew what the stones represented or how many there were and further research is required to asked many of the questions that remain unsolved.

14.1 Boundary stones discovered When this project was first considered in 2004, it was suggested that there were no more than fifty boundary stones on Blisland Commons, and the project was developed around this estimate. However, by the time the project was well under way and the desktop survey was completed, it was realised that, on paper at least, there were almost three times as many. The final total numbered 145, plus one modern waymarker/boundary stone and of these, 101 have been found and recorded, while 44 remain missing. Furthermore where we anticipated perhaps 10 fallen boundary stones to re-erect, we have found twice as many: 21 were discovered either lying down or at an acute angle. The problem of this has been that the unexpected large numbers of boundary stones have increased the time element at all stages, requiring more recording, photographs, survey time and research; but the positive side is that the increase in numbers discovered has helped to make more sense of who they represented.

14.2 Losses The greatest number of losses have been of those that were set up beside the A.30 trunk road. During the last century sections of this highway have been widened on a number of occasions, with little consideration for the protection or survival of these historic markers. However, in recent years far more considerable has been afforded these stones, and this was shown during this project when contracting staff for the Highways Agency gave their support for the project and agreed to re-erect one of the stones at Temple crossroads, while working there. As well as the A.30 losses, many boundary stones have also been lost in the marshy valleys of Blisland Commons. It is still possible that further boundary stones may come to light if areas of common are cleared of gorse.

97 14.3 Reasons for erecting the boundary stones For many years, it has been commonly assumed that many of the boundary stones on Blisland Commons were set up to mark mineral or mining bounds. Certainly, it is clear that many of the landowners, during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, on Blisland Commons, held mining interests. Davies Giddy (alias Gilbert) was at one time the Bodmin member of the Lords, Bounders, Adventurers and Tinners, while Gregor is recorded as attending these meetings. Sir John Morshead was the Lord Warden of the Stannaries, while John Wallis was at one time Vice Warden of the Stannaries. The Revd. Edward Collins is recorded as encouraging China Clay prospecting on Blisland Commons, while James Hayward, the Molesworths and Sir Henry Onslow allowed their land to be used for prospecting or China Clay extraction. Lord Clinton and the Trefusis family were prominent landowners in the Redruth area and held mineral rights in west Cornwall, while Francis Hearle Rodd of Trebartha was a partner in a copper smelting works in Swansea. All these landowners, whose marks or initials are carved on the boundary stones at Blisland Commons had some mining connections. This was the age of Cornwall’s industrial revolution, of which mining was a major player.

However, the evidence collected during this boundary stone survey suggests that none of these boundary stones were set up to mark mineral or mining bounds, although the ownership of the associated mineral rights may have been a motivating factor in that ownership. Their main purpose was to denote land ownership in the following ways:

• To mark the boundary between manors, for example the boundary stones across Emblance Downs mark the boundary between the manors of Blisland and Hamatethy, while at Trehudreth Downs, between the manor of Barlendew and Trehudreth.

• To mark the boundary between individual areas of common land, for example between Greenbarrow Downs and Newton Downs, or Manor Common and Menacrin Downs.

• To mark smaller areas of land that were cut out of the common, and in separate ownership or attached to a particular farm or holding. For example at Manor Common the area around the Trippet Stones was held by Bedwithiel, while the land cut out of Manor Common on the western side known as Nailybarrow was held by Deacons Farm.

98 Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, many of these boundary stones were later adopted to mark commoners rights in the 1965 Commons Registration. Therefore, they do not only represent landscape features of an earlier age, but many still have a function in the twenty first century.

From the evidence discovered during the survey, it is clear that these boundary stones were erected by land agents and stewards representing the landlord or manor. While some of the landowners did play an active part in overseeing these moorland areas, by far the majority were too busy in positions of power to have the time to make decisions about these large tracts of wasteland. Some held vast areas of land throughout Cornwall and England and would have left the day to day running of their estates to their stewards or land agents. We do, however have evidence to prove that Sir Arscott Molesworth beat the bounds of the manor of Blisland on horse-back in 1816, and that John Hayward and his neighbouring landowners viewed the Hayward land holdings in Blisland in 1866 and that this viewing subsequently resulted in a number of additional boundary stones being erected. We even have the name Josiah Stevens, as the person responsible for erecting these stones. Was Stevens responsible for quarrying the boundary stones, or carving the letters, or for just organising the work?

14.4 Dating When all the boundary stones were identified in the desktop survey and checked against the parish tithe maps for each parish it soon became apparent that only a third of the stones existed in 1840. Furthermore those that existed were on the western side of the Blisland Commons, on land at a slightly lower level and that which is closer to farms and smallholdings. The parish tithe maps do not show any boundary stones on the remoter eastern areas of common land, like Menacrin Downs, Shallow Water Common, Brockabarrow Common and Sprey Moor. This suggests that the latter may not have been so intensely worked during this period, or only used for transhumanance during the summer months.

In chapter 5, an argument is put forward to suggest that some of the boundary stones on the Trehudreth and Greenbarrow boundary were erected prior to 1809. A document referred to in chapter 9 records the presence of a boundary stone at Temple Water in 1817. Unfortunately, with the absence of large scale maps earlier than the parish tithe maps of the

99 1840s, or additional documentary evidence, it is not possible to give a precise date when boundary stones started to be erected on Blisland Commons. It seems likely, however, that some of the boundary stones may have been set up by the end of the eighteenth century, while the latest at Ivey’s Plain may have been set up during the first quarter of the twentieth century.

By the late eighteenth century, Cornwall saw the introduction of turnpike roads and with them a small industry producing granite milestones. It is recorded that on the turnpike between Launceston and Camelford, the Revd. William Phillips, rector of Lanteglos by Camelford, cut with his own hands the figures on the granite milestones. Considering the large number of both milestones and boundary stones in Cornwall, the carving of these must have been a regular requirement.

All the boundary stones have been carved from ‘grass rock’ or surface weathered granite, which would have been obtained locally, perhaps around the Carbilly Tor area. Several of the stones display the remains of drill holes indicating that they were split using the post 1800 method, rather than the earlier long grooves associated with the use of wedges.

14.5 Re-use of earlier boundaries By far the majority of these manorial boundary stones were set up on earlier boundaries, some man-made and others natural. On Emblance Downs, Trehudreth Downs, Kerrow Downs Metherin Downs, Greenbarrow Downs and Lady Down, boundary stones have been erected on or beside medieval earth banks and ditches the remains of old hedge lines. Furthermore many more boundary stones reinforce natural boundaries, often streams and rivers, at Kerrow Downs, Menacrin Downs, Greenbarrow Downs, Newton Downs, Broakabarrow Common, Shallow Water Common and Sprey Moor.

So were they really necessary? They were clearly more visible from a distance: the earth banks between Kerrow Downs and Metherin are very indistinct in places and have been eroded away through time with extensive grazing. Furthermore, those boundary stones marking boundaries along streams were sometimes necessary as tin streaming, especially below Shallow Water and Brockabarrow Commons, necessitated the diversion and or division of a stream, creating a confused site where boundaries would have been less defined. Nevertheless, some boundary stones may have been erected purely as a

100 statement by the gentry and landowners, to warn those whose land they were on, a statement of who was in charge. The number of boundary stones erected during this period reflects the growing importance placed on landownership and the potential for exploiting minerals beneath it.

Out of the 101 boundary stones discovered, only one was found to be a parish boundary stone, marking the parish boundary between Blisland and the modern parish of Bolventor. Although there are further boundary stones marking the parish boundary, for example at Menacrin on the Blisland and Temple boundary, these stones have manorial or landowners’ letters rather than parish marks. This appears unusual when compared to the neighbouring Davidstow Moors, where the majority of the boundary stones are parish stones, displaying an A for Advent or a D for Davidstow, or on East Moor, where they are carved with an N for North Hill and an A for Altarnun. The absence of mineral or mining boundary stones is also surprising considering that so many of the landowners were so actively involved in mining activities of one sort or another.

14.6 Recommendations for future preservation and research.

At present, these boundary stones have no statutory protection, and have never been considered worthy of preservation. However today, with the foundation of a national Milestone Society that campaigns for better protection for milestones, fingerposts and a wide array of roadside furniture, a place for some of the boundary stones is already afforded. Although boundary stones on the open moorland are more susceptible to damage and erosion due to cattle, rather than vehicles, routine checks are needed.

Recommendations for their future preservation include:

• A regular monitoring system - to assure their continued protection. • The boundary stones should be listed, to give some statutory protection. • More research on the boundary stones is required, as many questions remain unanswered. • Extend the survey to other parts of Bodmin Moor.

101 Name Number NGR Legend Situation or Comments TA- TA- 1880 1907 P C Brockabarrow 165/1 SX 15194 73731 South - G Near Temple bridge at the south-west corner * - * * Common of Brockabarrow Common near fields no 459 and 461.

Brockabarrow 165/2 SX 15917 74032 None On the boundary of fields no 480 and 481, - - * * Common close to old A.30, east of Temple village.

Brockabarrow 165/3 MISSING - Beside the south side of the A.30, near field - - * * Common no. 484.

Brockabarrow 165/4 MISSING - Beside the south side of the A.30, east of - - * * Common stone no. 165/3

Brockabarrow 165/5 MISSING - Beside the south side of the A.30, east of - - * * Common stone 165/4, on the boundary between Sprey Moor and Broackabarrow Common.

Brockabarrow 165/6 SX 16624 74425 West – Beside the north carriageway of the A.30, on - - * * Common BLISLAND the boundary between Brockabarrow East- Common and Sprey Moor. Below a large BOLVENTOR road sign to Colliford.

Brockabarrow 165/7 SX 16596 74055 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/6

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 102

Brockabarrow 165/8 SX 16604 74578 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/7

Brockabarrow 165/9 SX 16508 74361 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/8

Brockabarrow 165/10 SX 16433 74986 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/9

Brockabarrow 165/11 SX 16389 75151 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/10

Brockabarrow 165/12 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/11

Brockabarrow 165/13 SX 16274 75617 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/15

Brockabarrow 165/14 SX 16251 75780 West – M On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common East – G Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/13

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 103

Brockabarrow 165/15 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/12

Brockabarrow 165/16 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/15

Brockabarrow 165/17 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/16

Brockabarrow 165/18 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/17

Brockabarrow 165/19 MISSING - On the eastern boundary between - - * * Common Brockabarrow Common and Sprey Moor, to the north of stone no. 165/18

Brockabarrow 165/20 MISSING - On the boundary between Brockabarrow - - * * Common Common and Shallow Water Common, to the north-west of stone no.165/19

Brockabarrow 165/21 MISSING - On the southern boundary of Brockabarrow, * - * - Common at the old Temple bridge, between the two streams.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 104

Emblance Downs 124/1 MISSING - On the western side of Emblance Downs on - - * * the marshy ground.

Emblance Downs 124/2 SX 12354 77383 East – M On the north-west of Emblance Downs on - - * * marshy ground to the west of stone no. 124/3

Emblance Downs 124/3 SX 12464 77426 South – M On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, to the east of stone 124/2 on the southern boundary of field no. 1454. Built into the hedge with only the top showing.

Emblance Downs 124/4 MISSING - On the northern boundary of Emblance - - * - Possibly Downs, at the west end close to field no. 145b no.124/20 repositioned and used as a gatepost

Emblance Downs 124/5 SX 13088 77577 South – M On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, to the south-east of King Arthur’s Hall.

Emblance Downs 124/6 SX 13054 77597 Stump only, On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * boundary stone Downs, to be east of stone no. 124/5 broken off at ground level.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 105

Emblance Downs 124/7 SX 13508 77638 South – MX On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, to the east of stone no. 124/6 on the south-west corner of field no. 1763.

Emblance Downs 124/8 SX 13754 77714 South - M On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, to the east of stone no. 124/7 and south of field no.1767.

Emblance Downs 124/9 SX 14063 77670 South – MX On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, south of Mount Pleasant Farm at Priest Hill to the south of field no. 1769a.

Emblance Downs 124/10 SX 12665 76848 No legend On the south side of Emblance Downs to the - - * * north of field no.1551.

Emblance Downs 124/11 SX 12432 77191 East – M On the western side of Emblance Downs, - - - * between stones no’s 124/1 and 124/2. On marshy ground.

Emblance Downs 124/12 SX 12842 77567 South – M On the northern boundary of Emblance * * * * Downs, between stones no’s 124/4 and 124/5.

Emblance Downs 124/13 SX 12431 76974 East – M On the western boundary of Emblance - - - * Downs, south of stone no. 124/1 and west of field no. 1549.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 106

Emblance Downs 124/14 SX 13140 76706 South – VI On the right-hand side of the road to De - - - - Lank Waterworks and opposite the entrance to Leaze. Set up on a medieval bank to the north of Ivey Farm

Emblance Downs 124/15 SX 13047 76647 Southeast – VI South of stone 124/14, on a medieval bank to - - - - the north of Ivey Farm.

Emblance Downs 124/16 SX 12986 76603 Southeast - VI On the east side of track leading to Ivey Farm, - - - - on a medieval bank to the north of Ivey Farm.

Emblance Downs 124/17 SX 12926 76612 South - VI On the north-west side of track, on a - - - - medieval bank to the north of Ivey Farm.

Emblance Downs 124/18 SX 12878 76630 South - VI On the corner of the medieval earth bank to - - - - the north of Ivey Farm.

Emblance Downs 124/19 SX 12833 76597 East - VI South of stone no. 124/19 on the medieval - - - - earth bank.

Emblance Downs 124/20 SX 12666 77458 South - MX On the northern boundary hedge at field no. * * - - 1454.

Emblance Downs 124/21 SX 13384 77613 None Modern granite boundary stone/waymarker, - - - - at present lying down.

Greenbarrow 144/1 MISSING - Beside the A.30, at field no.1346. - - * * Downs

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 107

Greenbarrow 144/2 SX 13458 72774 Southwest - HP On the parish boundary between Blisland and - - * * Downs Cardinham near the corner of field no.1438.

Greenbarrow 144/3 SX 13467 72798 East - M↑P Beside the old A.30 through Temple, just - - * * Downs south-east of stone no.144/2

Greenbarrow 144/4 SX 13193 73149 Northwest – W On the eastern boundary of Greenbarrow at * * * * Downs VH western boundary of field no.1419. Southeast - G

Greenbarrow 144/5 MISSING - On the boundary of Greenbarrow and Manor * * * * Downs Common leading east from the A.30, near the top end of field no.1410.

Greenbarrow 144/6 SX 13314 73530 West – HP On the boundary between Greenbarrow and * * * * Downs East - MX Manor Common between old China Clay works and stone 144/5.

Greenbarrow 144/7 SX 13099 73612 North – MX On the boundary between Greenbarrow and * * * * Downs South - HP Manor Common, to the north of the old China Clay works and between stones 144/8 and 144/6.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 108

Greenbarrow 144/8 SX 12979 73662 North - MX On the boundary between Greenbarrow and * * * * Downs South – HP Manor Common, between stones no’s 143/2 and 144/7.

Greenbarrow 144/9 SX 12948 72917 North – altered On the boundary between Trehudreth Downs * * * * Downs was a W, now a and Greenbarrow, south-east of the round HP. South - ↑P barrows.

Greenbarrow 144/10 SX 12872 73099 West MP↑ On the slope running north-west from stone * * * * Downs East – HP 144/10 towards the boundary with Newton Downs.

Greenbarrow 144/11 MISSING - On the slope between boundary stones no’s - - * * Downs 144/10 and 144/12.

Greenbarrow 144/12 SX 12539 73453 North – HP On the marshy ground between Greenbarrow * * * * Downs South - M↑P and Newton Downs, north-west of stone no. 144/11.

Greenbarrow 144/13 SX 12894 73693 East – HP In line with the stream between Greenbarrow - - - - Downs and Manor Common, between stones no’s 143/3 and 144/8.

Kerrow Downs 184/1 SX 10935 74968 West – MX Close to the boundary of Black Penquite and * * * * East – HW South Penquite, in field no.760.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 109

Kerrow Downs 184/2 SX 10991 74886 West – MX In field no. 760, 200 metres east of stone * * * * East – HW no.184/1.

Kerrow Downs 184/3 SX 11030 75001 No Legend Beside field no.760, alongside the driveway to - - - - Black Penquite.

Kerrow Downs 184/4 SX 11081 74926 North – HW Opposite the entrance to Black Penquite, * * * * South – MX beside the road and close to field no. 716.

Kerrow Downs 184/5 SX 10790 73700 West – H The stone is lying down on the grass verge at - - * * East – MX the junction with a road to Carwen, near field no. 290. Recently re-erected.

Kerrow Downs 184/6 MISSING - On the south side of the Beacon, close to - - * * field no. 290.

Kerrow Downs 184/7 MISSING - North of stone no. 184/5, close to the field - - * * no. 212.

Kerrow Downs 184/11 SX 11240 75042 Northwest – On the south-west corner of Kerrow Downs, * * * * WH close to field no. 762. Southeast – M

Kerrow Downs 184/12 SX 11421 75896 Northeast – Close to Delford bridge, at the northern end - - * * MX of Kerrow Downs Southwest – H

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 110

Kerrow Downs 184/13 SX 11813 75612 Northeast - Beside the southwest side of the river De - - * * MX Lank near Bradford and on the parish Southwest - H boundary between Blisland and St Breward.

Kerrow Downs 184/14 SX 11824 75564 Northeast – Beside the southwest side of the river De - - * * MX Lank near Bradford and on the parish Southwest – H boundary of Blisland and St Breward, to the south of stone no. 184/13.

Kerrow Downs 184/15 MISSING - On the marsh to the southeast of Delford - - - * bridge.

Kerrow Downs 184/17 SX 11707 75281 South – unclear On the eastern boundary of Kerrow Downs * * * - on the boundary of fields no’s 768 and 771.

Kerrow Downs 184/18 SX 11531 75204 North – HW On the old boundary between Black Downs * * - - South - MX and Kerrow Downs, southwest of stone no. 187/17. Re-erected.

Kerrow Downs 184/19 SX 11372 75137 North – H On the old boundary between Black Downs * * - - (letter erased) and Kerrow Downs, southwest of stone no. South - MX 184/18. Re-erected.

Lady Down 124/26 SX 10297 76204 North - M On the southwest side of Lady Down, near - - * * the northwest corner of field no. 864.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 111

Lady Down 124/27 SX 10689 76251 North - M Southwest side of Lady Down on the western - * * * corner of field no. 829.

Lady Down 124/28 SX 10806 76823 East - MX Northwest end of Lady Down, north of - - * * Hallagenna Farm and close to field no. 619, close to Blackthorn Cottage.

Lady Down 124/29 SX 11391 77242 - On the boundary of Lady Down, near Irish * - * * MISSING Farm and on the west of field no.1484.

Lady Down 124/30 SX 11668 77364 - On the northern boundary of lady Down, * - * * MISSING northeast of stone no. 124/17.

Lady Down 124/31 SX 11889 77364 South - MX On the northern boundary of lady Down, east * - * * of stone no. 124/18. Re-erected.

Lady Down 124/32 SX 10015 76220 East - MX On the right-hand side of Cattle grid going - - - - west towards Penquite.

Lady Down 124/33 MISSING - South of stone no. 124/26 beside the lane to - * - - Hantergantick.

Manor Common 183/1 SX 12986 75186 North – M Near to the northern boundary hedge of * * - - South – C Manor Common and due north of the Trippet stone circle.

Manor Common 183/2 SX 13046 75098 West – M Due south of stone no. 183/1 and in line with * * - - East – C the Trippet stone circle.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 112

Manor Common 183/3 SX 13115 75022 West – M In the centre of the Trippet stone circle. * * - - East – C

Manor Common 183/4 SX 13215 75046 North – C Due east of the Trippet stone circle. * * - - South – M

Manor Common 183/5 SX 13218 75057 Northwest – C East of stone no. 183/4 on the eastern side of * * - - Southeast – M the stream and close to the boundary hedge of Hawkstor.

Manor Common 183/6 SX 12760 74701 West – H West of the crossroads and beside the road * * - - East – MX leading to Treswigga Farm.

Manor Common 183/7 SX 12854 74579 West – H To the southeast of boundary stone no. * * - - East – MX 183/6.

Manor Common 183/8 SX 12949 74429 West – H To the southeast of boundary stone no. * * - - East - MX 183/7, lying down. Re-erected.

Manor Common 183/9 SX 13034 74290 West – H To the southeast of boundary stone no. * * - - 183/8, leaning over. Re-erected.

Manor Common 183/10 SX 13119 74162 Southwest – To the southeast of the former site of stone * * - - WH no. 183/9, where an old boundary turned at East – MX right angles towards Newton Downs and stone no. 144/13. lying down. Re-erected.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 113

Menacrin Downs 145/1 SX 13604 73658 North – H On the southwest corner of Menacrin Downs - * * * (altered) on the boundary with Manor Common on the South - MX north side of the A.30. To the left hand side of the cattle grid.

Menacrin Downs 145/2 MISSING - On the south side of the A.30 in the northern - - * * corner of field no. 190.

Menacrin Downs 145/3 MISSING - On the north side of the A.30 on the southern - - - * corner of field no. 197.

Menacrin Downs 145/4 SX 14379 74055 East - C On the north side of the A.30 on the northern - - * * corner of field no. 225.

Menacrin Downs 145/5 MISSING - On the north side of the A.30 on the west - - * * side of the field no. 225.

Menacrin Downs 145/6 MISSING - On the northeast boundary of Menacrin - - * * Downs, near the field no. 225.

Menacrin Downs 145/7 MISSING - On the north side of the A.30 on the north - - * * side of field no. 225.

Menacrin Downs 145/8 MISSING - On the northeast boundary of Menacrin - - - * Downs on the southwest boundary of field no. 1450.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 114

Menacrin Downs 145/9 MISSING - On the northern boundary of Menacrin - - * * Downs, beside the stream and near a field boundary.

Menacrin Downs 145/10 SX 13713 74717 North – O On the northern boundary of Menacrin - - * * South - H Downs near field no. 1465.

Menacrin Downs 145/11 SX 13218 75057 West – M On the western boundary of Menacrin Downs - - * * East - H with Manor Common in the marsh.

Menacrin Downs 145/12 SX 14051 74049 Northwest - C On the corner of an old field bank on the - - - - north side of the A.30, near the layby.

Menacrin Downs 145/13 SX 13718 73580 Northwest - H On the south side of the A.30, beside the road - - * * to Temple village from the crossroads.

Menacrin Downs 145/14 MISSING - At the east side of Hawkstor pit, between the - - * * boundary hedge and the A.30.

Menacrin Downs 145/15 SX 13631 73623 North - 1893 On the south side of Temple crossroads - - - - beside the A.30 west of the road to Temple village.

Menacrin Downs 145/16 MISSING - On the north side of the A.30, opposite - - * * boundary stone no. 145/2 on a line of the old field hedge.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 115

Metherin Downs 184/8 MISSING - On the western boundary of Menacrin - - - * Downs, close to filed no.871.

Metherin Downs 184/9 MISSING - Due north of boundary stone no. 184/8, near - - - * the junction of two tracks.

Metherin Downs 184/10 SX 11430 74710 South – M Marking the boundary between - - - * KerrowDowns and Metherin Downs. Found leaning over.

Metherin Downs 184/16 SX 11647 74802 South - M Marking the boundary between Kerrow - - * * Downs and Metherin Downs.

Newton Downs 143/1 SX 12635 73506 North – HP On the boundary between Newton Downs - - * * West – M and Greenbarrow Downs.

Newton Downs 143/2 SX 12872 73655 North - M↑ On the boundary between Newton Downs, - - * * South – HP Greenbarrow Downs and Manor Common.

Newton Downs 143/3 SX 12824 73796 East – MX North of stone no. 143/2 on the boundary * * * * between Newton Downs and Manor Common.

Newton Downs 143/4 SX 12545 73581 North - M↑ On the western boundary of Newton Downs. - - * * South – HP

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 116

Newton Downs 143/5 MISSING - On the western boundary of Newton Downs, - - * * northwest of stone no. 143/4.

Newton Downs 145/6 MISSING - On the western boundary of Newton Downs, - * * * northwest of stone no. 143/5.

Newton Downs 145/7 SX 12262 73767 Stump only On the western side of Newton Downs, - * * * northwest of stone 143/6 and close to field no. 1069.

Newton Downs 145/8 SX 12699 73957 East – H Between the stream that bounds Newton Downs and Greenbarrow with Manor Common, close to the road to Newton Farm.

Newton Downs 145/9 MISSING - Between boundary stones no. 143/6 and - * - - 143/7.

Shallow Water 187/1 MISSING - On the south side of Shallow Water - - * * Common Common, marking the boundary between the latter and Brockabarrow Common.

Shallow Water 187/2 MISSING - On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common Common, at the junction of two streams and the parish boundary.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 117

Shallow Water 187/3 SX 15825 76212 West – M On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common East - R Common beside the stream, 10 metres from the forest.

Shallow Water 187/4 SX 15590 76358 West – M On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common East - O Common, northwest of stone no. 187/3. lying down, now re-erected.

Shallow Water 187/5 SX 15420 76572 West – M On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common East - O Common, northwest of stone no. 187/4.

Shallow Water 187/6 MISSING - On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common Common, northwest of stone no. 187/5.

Shallow Water 187/7 MISSING - On the northeast boundary of Shallow Water - - * * Common Common, northwest of stone no. 187/6.

Sprey Moor 166/1 SX 17308 75905 South – G On the northern boundary of Sprey Moor, - - * * against the southern boundary of field no. 221.

Sprey Moor 166/2 SX 17156 74970 West – GLW The Four Hole Cross, on the southern side of - - * * the A.30 and on the parish boundary of Cardinham (detached) and St Neot.

Sprey Moor 166/3 SX 16891 74622 - On the southern side of the A.30, beside the - - * - road junction of a minor road to Colliford Reservoir.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 118

Trehudreth Downs 142/1 SX 1252 7223 West – W Peverall’s Cross on the parish boundary and - - * * Peverall’s East – G the manorial boundary between Barlendew Cross and Trehudreth.

Trehudreth Downs 142/2 SX 12566 72411 West – H Northwest of Peverall’s Cross, between - - * * East - M↑P stone’s 142/3 and 142/11.

Trehudreth Downs 142/3 SX 12478 72502 Southwest – H On the medieval bank of old field system, - - * * Northeast - between stones 142/4 and 142/2. M↑P

Trehudreth Downs 142/4 SX 12341 72605 West – HP On the medieval bank of old field system, - - - * North - M↑P dividing the strip of land into two parts. East – MX Between stones 142/3 and 142/14.

Trehudreth Downs 142/5 SX 12266 72825 South – HP On the medieval bank of old field system, on - - * * North - M↑P the northeast corner of the field system.

Trehudreth Downs 142/6 SX 12142 72777 North – P On the medieval bank of old field system, - - * * South – HP between stones 142/7 and 142/5, lying down. Altered

Trehudreth Downs 142/7 SX 12029 72734 HP On the medieval bank of old field system, at - - * * northwest end lying down.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 119

Trehudreth Downs 142/8 SX 12293 72556 Northwest – Close to the boundary between the hedge - - * * HP running north to Peverall’s Cross and near Southeast – field no. 1248. MX

Trehudreth Downs 142/9 SX 12378 72468 South – H Close to the boundary hedge and field no. - - * * 1253, between stones 142/8 and 142/10.

Trehudreth Downs 142/10 SX 12446 72319 West – W Built into the boundary hedge that leads north - - - - from Peverall’s Cross.

Trehudreth Downs 142/11 SX 12608 72319 West – H Near to the boundary fence of the A.30 south - - * * East - M↑P of stone 142/2.

Trehudreth Downs 142/12 SX 12950 72498 West - M↑P Close to the A.30, on a medieval bank - - * * marking the parish boundary between Blisland and Cardinham.

Trehudreth Downs 142/13 MISSING - Close to the A.30, between stone no. 142/12 - - * * and the roadside.

Trehudreth Downs 142/14 SX 12307 72703 West – HP Between stones no’s 142/4 and 142/5. - - * * East - M↑P

Trehudreth Downs 142/15 MISSING - In a field on the east of Wallhouse, field * * * * no.1111.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 120

Trehudreth Downs 142/16 SX 12289 73311 North – HP Just to the northeast and outside of field - - * * South - M↑P no.1111.

Trencreek Downs 140/1 SX 10349 70524 Northwest – A few metres southeast of the cattle grid - - * * MXC leaving the A.30 towards Blisland.

Trencreek Downs 140/2 UNACCESSIBLE - A third of the way along the southern - - * * boundary of Trencreek Downs, close to the A.30.

Trencreek Downs 140/3 UNACCESSIBLE - Close to the southeast boundary of Trencreek - - * * Downs.

Please note that fields mentioned in the comments column refer to the 1907 OS Maps, while TA-C refers to Commissioners copy of the TA map and P the parish copy. 121 15.2 Boundary stones Discovered and Missing

Common Total Discovered Missing

Brockabarrow Downs 21 10 11

Emblance Downs 20 18 2

Greenbarrow Downs 13 10 3

Kerrow Downs 15 12 3

Lady Down 8 5 3

Manor Common 10 10 0

Menacrin Downs 16 7 9

Metherin Downs 4 2 2

Newton Downs 9 6 3

Pendrift Downs 0 0 0

Shallow Water Common 7 3 4

Sprey Moor 3 3 0

Trehudreth Downs 16 14 2

Trencreek Downs 3 1 2

Total 145 101 44

122 15.3 Boundary Stone Legends

Letter/character Representing Number existing

G Gilbert Davies or Giddy Davies 2

G Gregor 9

M Molesworth 30

MX Manor of Blisland (Molesworth) 27

HP Hayward’s property or post 16

H Hayward 19

H W Hayward formerly Wallis 4

M↑P Morshead 8

↑P Morshead 1

MP↑ Morshead 1

M↑ Morshead 2

VI Ivey Farm? 6

W H VP altered Hayward formerly Wallis 3

W John Wallis 2

W H Wallis now Hayward 1

C Lord Clinton (Trefusis Family) 5

C possibly Clinton or Collins 2

O Onslow 3

R Rodd 1

GLW Great Lord’s Waste 1

P ? 1

MX C M of Blisland now Edward Collins 1

1893 ? 1

123 Blisland Blisland parish 1

Bolventor Bolventor parish 1

15.4 List of boundary stones re-erected by volunteers on Blisland Commons

No Common NGR Date

145/15 Menacrin Downs SX 13631 73580 Sat 18th June 2005

145/15 Menacrin Downs SX 13631 73580 Thur 1st Sept 2005

145/4 Menacrin Downs SX 14379 74055 Sun 11th Sept 2005

143/3 Newton Downs SX 12824 73796 Sun 11th Sept 2005

144/13 Greenbarrow Downs SX 12894 73693 Sun 11th Sept 2005

184/5 Kerrow Downs SX 10790 73700 Wed 9th Nov 2005

184/10 Metherin Downs SX 11430 74710 Wed 9th Nov 2005

184/16 Metherin Downs SX 11647 74802 Wed 9th Nov 2005

124/8 Emblance Downs SX 13754 77714 Wed 9th Nov 2005

187/4 Shallow Water Common SX 15590 76358 Sun 18th Dec 2005

187/5 Shallow Water Common SX 15420 76572 Sun 18th Dec 2005

124/2 Emblance Downs SX 12364 77383 Sun 18th Dec 2005

184/18 Kerrow Downs SX 11531 75204 Sat 3rd June 2006

184/19 Kerrow Downs SX 11372 75137 Sat 3rd June 2006

183/8 Manor Common SX 12949 74429 Sat 3rd June 2006

183/9 Manor Common SX 13034 74290 Sat 3rd June 2006

183/10 Manor Common SX 13119 74162 Sat 3rd June 2006

124/31 Lady Down SX 11889 77364 Sat 3rd June 2006

124 15.5 The Perambulation of the Bounds of the Manor of Blisland Thursday 7th August 1816 (manuscript in the possession of Maclean)

Ref. Maclean, Sir. John (1873) The Deanery of Trigg Minor, Vol I, p.94.

Present: Sir A. O. Molesworth Bart., The Steward, Mr. Geo. Leach, The Under Steward, Mr. John Wallis, Mr. Jno. Wallis Junr., Bray, John Rogers, and six other tenant.

All the parties met at the public house in Blisland Church Town, and at 12 at noon proceeded on the survey. Jack Rogers, who perambulated the bounds with his father 54 years ago (1762) led the way. Proceeding from the churchtown to Carwen Downs, thence under Kerow to Metherin Downs, thence down Moss Lane to Bradford Bridge, crossed the river, turned to the left, proceeded to (Delford) Bridge, up Rose Lane, turned to the left on to Penworder Gate, over Lady Down, back to Irishes, , thence down to Bolatherick, and over the down to the bounds of Hametethy Manor, followed the bounds by Arthur’s Hall to Garrah Gate, crossed the side of Botreaux Tor to Chalowater, thence to Brockabarrow, and into the turnpike road at the remains of a cross 7 ¼ miles from Bodmin. Proceeded on the turnpike through Temple Churchtown, and at Tor turned to the right and proceeded towards a Druidical circle (Lord Clinton’s) thence back to the left to the marsh below Greenbarrow where a well is a bound, when the survey ended about 5pm.

15.6 Local Place names not recorded on modern maps

Nailybarrow, Nailyburrow or Nailyborough

An area of land on the western side of Manor Common, divided by the latter by a row of boundary stones and formerly held by Deacons (see chapter 8).

Hornaditch Corner

On Manor Common, where the direct road from the A.30 to Bradford meets a junction with the road to Treswigga.

Durfold Common (Derfold)

125 Now enclosed, was an area of Common to the west of Newton Downs, and north-west of Trehudreth Downs.

Hayward’s Common

A strip of land, twelve acres in total on the western side of Trehudreth Downs and marked by boundary stones.

Carwen Common

Small area of down to the north-west of Carwen, where China Clay prospecting took place.

The Parade

The narrow strip of land between Delford Bridge and Bradford Bridge.

Ivey’s Plain

The area of land to the north of Ivey’s Farm marked by boundary stones.

Black Down, Blackapool or Black Pool Common

Formerly the north end of Kerrow Downs and divided by boundary stones (see chapter 7).

Carmooth Marsh

The marsh to the east of Bolatherick Farm, below Whiteheads.

Newmans Corner

Pointed field at Ivey’s where the corner of the field meets the road, close to boundary stone no. 124/10.

Standing Ball

Another name for Sprey Moor, recorded on the Cardinham tithe map.

126 15.7 Naming the Commons

As part of the Blisland Boundary Stone Project, each area of common land was to have its name carved discreetly on a granite boulder somewhere on that Common. The work was carried out by stonemason, Ernie Hillson of St Tudy. The names that have been carved and the national grid reference of each is given below.

Brockabarrow Common 19th December 2005 SX 16130 74215

Manor Common 19th December 2005 SX 12804 73915

Manor Common (2nd stone) March 2006 SX 12942 74727

Newton Downs 19th December 2005 SX 12495 73670

Menacrin Downs 16th February 2006 SX 13884 74448

Metherin Downs 16th February 2006 SX 11657 74513

Kerrow Downs 16th February 2006 SX 11552 75157

Lady Down 16th February 2006 SX 10443 76516

Emblance Downs March 2006 SX 12778 77433

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15.8 Bibliography

Primary Sources

Maps

CRO/P11/27/1 - Parish Tithe map of Blisland (1840)

CRO/TA/20 - Parish Tithe map of St Breward, otherwise Simonward (1840)

CRO/TA28 - Parish Tithe map of Cardinham (1843)

CRO/TA162 - Parish Tithe map of St Neot (1842)

CRO/TA220 – Parish Tithe map of Temple (1839)

CRO/4/53 – Lanhydrock Atlas by Joel Gascoyne, c.1696, (microfilm).

Ordnance Survey Maps (1907) of all Common Land areas

Ordnance Survey Maps (1881) of all Common Land areas

Martyn T. (1748) Map of Cornwall.

Gascoyne, J. (1699) Map of Cornwall, Devon and Cornwall Record Society 1991.

Harley, J. B. and O’Donoghue, Y. (19xx) The old series Ordnance Survey map of England and Wales, Vol. II, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset., Harry Margery, Lympre Castle, Kent.

Documents

CRO MA/Box/13 Letter from J. Hampton, Holton, Bodmin to land agents for the Molesworth family J. J. E.Venning, Devonport, re: lease on Manor Common and Shallow Water Common for iron and china clay working, 1873.

CRO/MA/Box/13 Letter from Parkyn and Peters, Mines St Austell and Lostwithiel, Cornwall to J. J. E. Venning re: watercourse from Underties to Carwen for China Clay pit, 1897.

CRO/MA/Box/13 Letter from J. Wolfe Barry to J. J. E. Venning, re: license to search for China Clay on Shallow Water Common, 1868.

CRO/MA/Box/13 Letter from Frank Parkyn to J. J. E. Venning, re: Clay working on Blisland Manor Common, 1878.

CRO/MA/Box/13 Letter from J. Lean to J. J. E.Venning, re: filling in pits on Carwen Common, 1874.

128 CRO/GB/10/7 Details of Lands in Blisland parish owned by Davies Gilbert, with plans, 1874. CRO/GB/10/5 Details of Lands in Blisland parish owned by Davies Gilbert, 1874.

CRO/GB/10/6 Details of Blisland parish, South Penstrode, Trehudreth Common, 1874.

CRO/GB/11 Plan of lands in the parishes of Blisland, Helland, and St Mabyn, the property of Davies Gilbert, c.1830.

RIC/ MO/1, 1-161 Glencross Collection, parish of Blisland, Courtney Library, Royal Institution of Cornwall.

RIC/MO/2, 1-23 Glencross Collection, parish of St Breward, Courtney Library, Royal Institution of Cornwall.

RIC/MO/3, 1-37 Glencross Collection, other parishes and Morshead estate, Courtney Library, Royal Institution of Cornwall.

RIC/MO/1/ 40 Rental of the Manor of Blisland, labelled Brockabarrow Common. Glencross Collection, other parishes and Morshead estate, Courtney Library, Royal Institution of Cornwall.

( )) (1926-7) The Trehudreth Common: A transcript of a court case, the hearing and judgement, at Bodmin Crown Court.

Secondary Sources - Books and papers

Adburgham, A. (1990) A Radical Aristocrat: Sir William Molesworth of Pencarrow, Tabb House Ltd., Padstow.

Axford, E. C. (Und.) The Cornish Moor – A brief study of Bodmin Moor.

Boase, G. C. and Courtney, W. P. Bibliotheca Cornubiensis: A Catalogue of the writings, both manuscript and printed of Cornishmen and of works relating to the County of Cornwall, Longmans, Green, Reader and Dyer, London, vol. I, 1874 , II, 1877, III, 1882.

Boase, George, Clement (1890) Collectanea Cornubrensia: A Collection of Biographical and Topographical notes to the County of Cornwall, Netherton and Worth, Truro.

Brewster, C. (1975) Bodmin Moor: A Synoptic study and report on a moorland area, Phd Thesis for the Institute of Cornish Studies, University of Exeter.

Bousfield, Pamela (1988) A History of St Breward : The Life of a moorland village, St Breward History Group, St Breward.

Cole, Richard (1997), Ivey and Hawkstor Farms: An Archaeological Assessment, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council.

129

Dudley, Peter (2005), South Penquite, Blisland, Cornwall: Archaeological Assessment, Historic Environment Service (Projects), Cornwall County Council.

Folliott-Stokes, A. G. (1931) The Cornish Coast and Moors, Stanley Paul & Co. Ltd, London.

Gilbert, D. (1838) The Parochial History of Cornwall, founded on the histories of Mr Hals and Mr Tonkin with additions and various appendices in 4 volumes., J. B. Nickols and Son, London.

Gill, Crispin (1995) The Great Cornish Families: A History of the people and their houses, Cornwall Books, Tiverton, Devon.

Gover, J. E. (1948) Cornish Place Names, Mss in the Courtney Library, Royal Insitution of Cornwall, Truro.

Hamilton Jenkin, A.K. (1970) Mines and Miners of Cornwall, part 16, The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies.

Hamilton Jenkin, A. K. (1970) Cornwall and its People, David and Charles, Newton Abbot.

Harrod’s (1878) Royal County Directory of Cornwall, J. G. Harrod & Co., Royal County Directory Offices, Norwich.

Hawkridge, C. (1969) ‘Sarah Gregor of Trewarthenick’, JRIC, NS, Vol. I, pt.1, pp.16-32.

Herring, P. C. (1986) An Exercise in Landscape History: Pre-Norman and Medieval Brown Willy and Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, M.Phil dissertation.

Herring, P. and Rose, P. (2001) Bodmin Moor’s Archaeological Heritage, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council.

Johnson, N. and Rose, P. Etal. (1994) Bodmin Moor: An Archaeological Survey, Vol. I, The Human Landscape to c.1800., English Heritage and The Royal Commission for Historic Monuments, England, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council.

Joseph, P. (2001) ‘Durfold China Clay Works, Bodmin: Its history, interpretation and regeneration’ The Journal of the Trevithick Society, no.28, p37-67.

Kelly’s (1889) Directory of Cornwall, Kelly & Co. Lincolns Inn Fields, London.

Latham, B. (1971) Trebartha: The House by the Stream, Hutchinson, London.

Leigh, Margaret (1937), Harvest of the Moor, G. Bell & Sons, Ltd, London.

Lysons (1814) Magna Brittannia, being A Concise Topographical Account of The Several Counties of Great Britain,- Cornwall, vol.III. T Cadell and W. Davies, London.

Maclean, Sir. J (1873) The Deanery of Trigg Minor Vol. I. Nichol and Son, London.

130

Maclean, Sir. J (1876) The Deanery of Trigg Minor Vol. II. Nichol and Son, London.

Maclean, Sir. J (1879) The Deanery of Trigg Minor Vol. III. Nichol and Son, London.

Malim, J. W. (1936) The Bodmin Moors, Methuen & Co. Ltd. London.

Munn, P. (1972) The Story of Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor, Bodmin Books Ltd., Bodmin.

Padel, O. J. (1985) Cornish Parish-Name Elements, English Place-Name Society, University Press, Cambridge.

Pigot’s (1830) Directory of Devon and Cornwall.

Polsue, J. (1867) A complete Parochial History of the County of Cornwall, Vol. I, William Lake, Truro.

Preston-Jones, A. (2000) The Trippet Stones Stone circle, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall County Council.

Rowe, J. (1993) Cornwall in the Age of the Industrial Revolution, Hillside publications, St Austell.

Stainer, P. (1986) The Minions Moor: A Guide to South-east Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, St Ives Printing and Publishing Company, St Ives.

Todd, A. C. (1967) Beyond the Blaze: A biography of Davis Gilbert, Bradford Barton, Newton Abbot.

Todd, A. C. (1964) ‘Davies Gilbert - Patron, Politician and National Philosopher’ JRIC, NS, Vol. IV, pt.4, pp.452-480.

131