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| West Bridge, St.Austell, Cornwall |
We know it's minimum age because it was mentioned by someone called John Leland in 1538. He was King Henry VIII's Chaplain who was sent out around the country to gather material for a history of England.
Leland, sometimes spelt Leyland, didn't seem to think much of St. Austell as he wrote (in old English): "... the poore toun of St Austelles is nothing notable but for the paroch chirch. And there is a bridge of the same name."
500+ years ago things would have been different. The bridge would then have carried all of the visitors and tradespeople to and from the west of St.Austell town. How times change.
The roadway of the bridge (photo below) has, unfortunately now been covered with tarmac but the passing V-shaped places can be seen.
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| The roadway of West Bridge, St.Aystell, Cornwall |
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| 1803 etching of the approach to St.Austell town |
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| St.Austell church |
It's funny Mike, I always think the same thing...the stories that these places can tell. It occurred to me that now that we have the technology, certain places should have a little recording area for people to offer a little bit about themselves or what they think of a certain historical spot. Generations from now, people like us won't have to wonder, they can hit a button and hear hundreds of years of recordings!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam, now that would be interesting - as long as it wasn't abused.
DeleteThere are those who say that various emotions are captured within the walls and surroundings of old buildings - ghosts perhaps!? May sound silly but some old places do feel peaceful while others make us feel uneasy.
The stonework on the tower is wonderful. I assume the stone was gathered and cut locally and imagine the hard work required to build such a structure. I love the etching as well and I'm so glad that you are sharing these interesting places.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Ann.
DeleteThe west end is of the church is made of Pentewan stone(about three of four miles from the church)The remainder is a mixture of both fine-grained granite and Pentewan stone. A church has been here since 1169. The tower is 15th century and is faced in Pentewan stone.
Amazing to see West Bridge now. I knew it in the 19 50 when my grandparents lived in River Walk. There was a leat that ran down to Cornish Mills and powered a water wheel. There was also an old pure water well not far down from the weir in the White River. I lived with my Grandparents for a few years and saw the river in many moods and in flood which was pretty scary! You weren't a West Bridger unless you'd fallen in the river and I never did but my father had when he was 4 and nearly drowned. I remember the river ran through 2 arches back then and all 3 when it was in full spate.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your comment - very interesting to learn how it was in the 1950s.
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