2021-11 Newsletter

Newsletter – November 2021
News
The feast days of St Philleigh and St Mawes
fall in November, so we wish you Gool Fili
Lowen and Gool Mawsedh Lowen!
The big news is that our winter programme
has now got underway, with a great talk on
the Torrey Canyon in October (see below).
The next talk will be on Wednesday 10 th
October when the dialect recorder of the
Federation of Old Cornwall Societies – Mr
Paul Phillips, will be coming to talk to us
about the Cornish Dialect – one not to be
missed!
Figure 1 Torrey Canyon Talk by Martin Brockman
Events
Rosteague Culverhouse – Ivy Clearance
On Wednesday 22 nd September the Old Cornwall Society started work on Rosteague
Culverhouse (dovecote). The ivy which was hanging down over the internal walls was cut
away and measurements were taken.
Figure 3 Rosteague Culverhouse Before Work © Nev Meek
Figure 2 Rosteague Culverhouse After Work © Nev Meek
There are 4 rows of pigeon nesting holes discernible. The bottom row is complete and has 22
nesting holes. The bottom row is at least 2’7” above floor level, but note that there is a
considerable amount of detritus on the floor, so the true floor level could be considerably

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lower. Each nesting hole is roughly square, measuring approximately 6”x6”. They are about
1’2” deep and have an internal recess on the right-hand side. There is about 1’2” between
holes.
The second row is also complete with 22 holes, but these have an internal recess to the left.
The third row runs clockwise from the doorway, and there are only 15 complete nesting holes.
There are only 3 complete holes in the fourth row, but other collapsed holes are discernible.
At the highest point the wall is 7’tall, but as indicated above, the true floor level could be
lower. The internal diameter of the building is 13’0”, and the walls at the doorway are 3’0”
thick. The external recessed door jamb is 1’0” thick. This we can also estimate that the
external diameter of the building about 19’0”.
It is great that our Old Cornwall is out doing the work for which it is intended. We look forward
to doing more work at Rosteague in the winter.
Rosteague Culverhouse is privately owned and there is no public access. We are grateful to
Mrs Jay Milton for her permission to engage with this historic asset.
Talk – The Torrey Canyon Disaster
In October our first talk since before the
Pandemic took place at the Memorial Hall. It
was a well-researched presentation on the
Torrey Canyon Disaster by Martin Brockman.
The talk brought back memories for the
more senior in our audience, whilst the
younger members were fascinated to learn
more about this environmental disaster.
It is now 40 years since the 8 crew of the
Solomon Browne lifeboat, plus 5 crew & 3
passengers of the Union Star coaster were lost of the coast near Lamorna. Our evening raised
almost £100 was toward a memorial to be placed near the site commemorating all those who
lost their lives.
It was fantastic to see everyone gathered again, the evening was enjoyed by all.
The next talk takes place on Wednesday 10 th November, when the Federation Recorder – Paul
Phillips will be telling us all about the Cornish Dialect.
Committee News
The AGM was held on 13 th October and the existing committee were re-elected. Myrgh Percuil
(aka Hilary Thompson) continues as our guiding light (President) with Ralph German at the
helm (Chairman).
We also have Luke Dunstone (Treasurer), Penny Bunney (Secretary), Jean Rigley (Membership
Secretary), Clive Cudmore (Write-up Secretary), Nev Meek (Recorder). Alan January and
Arthur Coomb also continue as committee members.

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For the moment Jenny Keymer is unable to resume as Events Secretary, so if you have a few
hours to spare please do consider stepping forward to help out with this job in the interim.
The programme of events for this year are already planned so taking this on should be an easy
transition.
We are always looking for new talent to join our committee, so if you have an interest in any
aspect of Cornish heritage or culture please do speak with our Chairman, Ralph, who will be
pleased to discuss opportunities.
Federation News
On Saturday 2 nd October 2021 the Federation AGM was held at Blackwater, our Chairman,
Ralph German and the Recorder 1 were both in attendance. Ralph was elected to the Executive
Committee, giving us two members on the Executive, and a greater input into the future
direction of the organisation.
A new Federation Banner is to be designed and created to complement the old one. It should
be ready in time for the Federation Carol Service in December. Bert Biscoe of the Truro OCS
is organisation a parade in Truro to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year and all
OCSs will be invited to take part.
Gerrans Parish Heritage Centre
The World War 2 exhibition has been a
tremendous success this year; it has been
fascinating to learn how the war impacted on
Gerrans Parish. There were a good number of
visitors throughout the season. The Heritage
Centre closed at the end of October and Pam
Case stepping down as manager after 13
years of valuable service. Pam and Paddy
have both put in a tremendous effort at the
Heritage Centre, and should be congratulated
on a “job well-done.”
If you didn’t make it to the Heritage Centre before the end of October, please speak to our
Recorder who will be pleased to arrange access for OCS members. The Centre will be open on
Saturday 27 th November to coincide with the Church Free trade Fair. After Christmas, work
will then begin on the exhibition for 2022.
The Heritage Centre is a real volunteer led community enterprise. There are opportunities for
all to become involved in the work of the Centre. Please let our Recorder know if you could
spare some time to help.
Additional information can be found on our website, Twitter and Facebook.
1
Our Recorder was elected as Deputy President.

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Local History
Ranger Gull
The following newspaper extract is interesting: -
Lake's Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser - Friday 02 November 1906
Mr. Ranger Gull, the well-known novelist who once lived at Portscatho, a romantic little
village on the Cornish coast (states the Western Daily Mercury) used to say that the village
produced a new romance every day; and the only difference between the people was that
the Church folk talked scandal over the back garden wall, while the Chapel folk did so at
the front door.
The author was born in 1875 as Arthur Edward Ranger Gull, presumably in England, since he
was educated in Staffordshire and Manchester. He later added to the name "Cyril" to his
name and wrote books under the name of Cyril Ranger Gull and Guy Thorne. he wrote about
125 books.
Because of his education and initial work history it is presumed that he must have come to
Portscatho in the early 1900s, possibly between 1902 and 1904. In 1906 he was living at
Lelant. He died in 1923 in London.
His books do mention Cornwall, but often the locations are fictionalised or blended together.
In his 1904 novel "When it Was Dark", he describes a character visiting a fishing cove
supposedly near St Ives: -
"On the shores of the little "Porth," as it was called, the fishermen sat about with sleepy,
vacant eyes, waiting for the signal of watchmen on the moor above - the shrill Cornish cry of
"Ubba!" "Ubba!" 2 which would tell them that mackerel were in sight." One can't help but
think at least part of this description is Portscatho.
Lost Locations – Duchy Beacon
In this section we highlight the names of some of the less well-known places around Roseland.
In researching the celebration of previous jubilees, the following newspaper article came to
light: -
Royal Cornwall Gazette - Friday 01 July 1887
JUBILEE FESTIVITIES IN CORNWALL
GERRANS
A successful celebration began with Mr. Hugoe's bonfire and rockets on Duchy Beacon,
really a brilliant sight, as it formed one of thirty fires answering along the peaks with rockets
or balloon. The special service was at Gerrans Church on Wednesday. The whole parish was
in procession, and with band and coastguards, under officer Pope, the friendly and
Mariners' societies and schools, all with flags and banners, had a bright effect, winding up
2
Note: “hubba” was the call used in Portscatho and mid-Cornwall, whilst further west “hevva” was generally
the term used.

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from beautiful Portscatho to the grey old church. 650 persons partook of a free and ample
high tea provided by the principal inhabitants, and the chief features of the were the
distribution of medals to the children, with their flower show and its prizes; the re-opening
of the ancient bowling green; the sports; and the opening by Mrs. Thomas of the handsome
reading and club room presented to the parish by Mr. Thomas, of London. The evening
closed with a second bonfire and display of rockets in the field, kindly lent by the executors
of the late Mr. Henry Nicholls.
The puzzle here is the location of Duchy Beacon which does not appear on any modern maps.
The first clue is that the event is described as “Mr. Hugoe’s bonfire and rockets.” A search of
Kelly’s Directory of 1883 shows that John Martin Hugo was a farmer at Treleggan (Treluggan).
The Directory for 1889, shows that a William Arthur Hugo was a farmer at Treleggan. So, one
can conclude that Duchy Beacon is on high ground close to Treluggan, so it must be near
Dingerein.
An examination of the Tithe
Map c.1841 reveals that the
field to the north-east of
Dingerein is named “Beacon
Close”, so would seem to be
fairly definitive evidence
that this is the location of
Duchy Beacon.
Figure 4 Copy of Tithe Map c.1841 Showing Beacon Close
If you are aware of any less well-known names please highlight with our Recorder.
Committee Spotlight – Penny Bunney
In this section we would like to highlight some of those who work so hard for our Society. In
this article we will look at the life of our Secretary – Penny Bunney.
Penny’s Cornish credentials are pretty good and go back a long way, her mother came from
Portloe, descended from generations of fisherfolk, (however her grandmother bucked the
trend and came from a farming family “down west”), her father came from Gorran where his
family was involved in agriculture for many generations.

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Penny and her family came to live in Gerrans in 1949 as her father taught at the village school.
Penny went to the village school and then to Truro Grammar School, her initial interest was
in veterinary medicine, however, in the event she went to Agricultural College to study
Dairying. After college she went to Denmark for a year, which was a great experience.
On her return to the UK, she worked for Unigate, based in London but was often sent out to
the “provinces” which meant working all over the country. She spent quite a lot of time in
Wales and during her time there she attempted to learn the language. The experience has
put her off trying Cornish since the two languages are similar!
The South West called her back and she worked for Farm house Cheesemakers and finally for
a large Cheddar Cheese producer which was taken over by an Irish company which meant
many visits to Ireland.
In 2003 she partially retired and returned to Cornwall. She taught Food Hygiene one day a
week at Truro College and also part time as a support worker at Waterloo House, a residential
home for people with learning disabilities this was a steep learning curve but a very positive
experience.
Penny states that Gerrans and Portscatho are now very different to the villages where she
grew up, there were very few holiday homes and a strong sense of community, however it is
good to be back!
Penny has been our Secretary for a number of years; she does a great job preparing our
Agendas, writing up the Minutes, and dealing with correspondence.
If you feel that you could spare a little time to become more involved in our committee-work
please contact our Chairman who will be pleased to discuss opportunities.
Cornish Buildings Group –
Buildings at Risk Project
Nun’s Well at Rosteague is in
need of some attention. It is covered in plant
growth which is adversely affecting the
structure. The door jamb has twisted and an
internal lintel had broken.
We have submitted a report to the Cornish
Buildings Group and Nun’s Well has been
included on their Buildings at Risk List.
The OCS will return to Rosteague in the
winter to remove the vegetation growing on
the well-house.
This is another example of the active work
being done by our OCS to preserve our local

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historic assets. If you would like to be involved with this sort of work, please contact our
Recorder.
Rosteague Culverhouse is privately owned and there is no public access. We are grateful to
Mrs Jay Milton for her permission to engage with this historic asset.
Details of the Buildings at Risk Project can be found: https://buildingsatrisk.wordpress.com.
Nun’s Well has also been featured in their latest Newsletter:
https://buildingsatrisk.wordpress.com/2021/10/18/newsletter-no-11/.
Please notify our Recorder of any historic buildings at risk.
Maritime Churches Project
This project is complete, and it will now be interesting to hear
what the project achieved, the part played by our OCS, and
indeed the legacy created by the project.
Dr Garry Tregidga from the Institute of Cornish Studies has
kindly consented to come and talk to us about the project on Wednesday 8 th December, so
we really look forward to that.
Information about the project, and the churches involved, including St Anthony and St Just,
can be found at: https://cornishmaritimechurches.co.uk
Place-name of the Month – St. Mawes ~ Lannvowsedh
As usual, to understand this name we need to firstly examine the historic examples: -
Sanctus Maudetus 1284 (Padel, 1988)
Sanctus Maudetus 1302 (Padel, 1988)
Villa Sancti Mauduti juxta Bugules 1305 (Gover, 1948)
Villa de Sancti Mauduti juxta Bugeles 1311 (Gover, 1948)
Seynt Maudys 1318 (Gover, 1948)
Seint Mauduyt 1342/3 (Gover, 1948) (Padel, 1988)
Sanctus Maudetus 1345 (Gover, 1948)
Burgus de Mauduyt 1380 (Gover, 1948)
Seynt Maudit 1396 (Gover, 1948)
Lavousa 1445 (Gover, 1948), (Padel, 1988)
Lavausa 1445 (Padel, 1988)
Seynt Mausa 1467/8 (Gover, 1948), (Padel, 1988)
town of Lavousa (endorsed Seyntt Maussa) 1502 (Gover, 1948)
St Maws c.1540 (Padel, 1988)
St Mausa alias La Vousa c.1540 (Padel, 1988)
St Maudit alias St Mawes 1607 (Gover, 1948)
St Mawes (CRO, P96/4/1, 1634)
Mause (Jaillot, 1692)
St Maweis (RIC, HC/4/41, 1712)
St Mawes, here is an ancient castle (Moule, 1838, p281)

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St Mawes, village (Symons, 1884)
in St Mawes civil parish (OS, 25”, LXXII.9, 1907)
St Mawes (OS, 1:25000, 2003).
The 1445 and 1540 forms would seem to be corrupted forms of the original Cornish name.
The initial “La” in these examples indicate that the first element was <lann> ‘religious site,
often enclosed by an oval embankment’.
The second element is undoubtedly a personal name. When one removes the Latinate ending
from 1284 and 1302 examples it is apparent that the original form was Maudet or probably
Maudedh. This would give a middle Cornish form -> Mausedh/Mowsedh. (Note: The “dh” is
pronounced the same as “th” in the word ‘the’!)
However, the element <lann> is feminine, so when it precedes Mowsedh, the initial ‘M’ is
mutated to ‘V’ giving the form Lannvowsedh which appears on local signage. We see this
mutation in several historic examples including, Lavousa from 1445.
The <-dh> ending had dropped before 1445, and the English form St Maws, was becoming
dominant by the 16 th Century, no doubt due to the loss of the Cornish language in the area.
The “Mawes” form, with which we are now so familiar did not actually stabilise until the early
19 th Century.
Dialect of the Month – Gramursow
A gramursow is the creature which our friends across the border refer to as a woodlouse. This
word is still in regular use amongst local people.
Contacts
Chairman: Ralph German - ralphgerman@outlook.com
Membership Secretary: Jean Rigley - jeanrigley@btinternet.com
Recorder: Nev Meek - nev.meek@sky.com
www.stgandpocs.co.uk
www.facebook.com/gerransoldcornwall
www.twitter.com/GerransSt
St Gerrans & Porthscatho Old Cornwall Society is affiliated to The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. Registered Charity No: 247283