Seaside Stories
Help us discover more about our historic coastal landmarks. Our vibrant seaside heritage is an important part of our coastal landscape, much loved by local communities and visitors.
The Story of the Polperro Jumper
With countless stories of England's social history, it seems unfair to just pick one. But the story must start somewhere and why not in the historic fishing village of Polperro, Cornwall.
For generations a specific type of jumper has been knitted by fisherman. Some call them a gansey, some call them a knit frock and some will say a jumper. We wanted to explore how items can connect people to place.
Exploring Polperro
150 listed buildings and 2 scheduled monuments make up the 152 designated sites in Polperro. Each one has a story to tell. Each house was a home to someone; each pub has a special story to tell. Each one list entry could contain a photo that you love or a story never written down before.
The Polperro Harbour Museum
📍 Grade II Listed Building. The Warren, Polperro
On the waterfront with a prominent position in Polperro. The museum was previously a fish cellar and storeroom. Now this museum holds the keys to Polperro’s past.
From photos of former residents to the items they needed to sail, fish and survive the museum is run by locals with a sense of duty to preserve and protect Polperro's history.
The Loft
📍 Grade II Listed Building. Peak Rock, Polperro.
Built in the early 1800s this former net lofts and store room is one of the first buildings you see as you arrive into Polperro harbour. Set on the rugged coast line the building has one of the best views of the harbour and out to sea.
Polperro resident Jane Jolliff is seen here knitting a knit frock. The local women would knit them outside to save their eyesight.
Three Pilchards Inn
📍 Grade II Listed Building. Quay Road, Polperro.
In 1851 the landlord was Charles Jolliff. Charles had 14 children who were all born in Polperro. One of his sons lived in the house next door.
Rumour has it that smuggled goods would find their way to the Three Pilchards Inn. If Charles tied his horse outside it meant that the goods were for sale inside. With a warm feel when you take a seat you can feel the history surrounding you.
The Building Northwest of Island House
📍 Grade II Listed Building. The Warren, Polperro.
Whilst this has the least exciting name, the views and setting certainly make up for it. Listed as a store and studio, the views alone would have inspired so many. Nestled on top of a cliff overlooking the village you can almost smell the freshly painted landscapes.
With its traditional painted stone rubble, it is a small slice of quintessential Cornwall.
Read the contributions on 'The Building Northwest of Island House'
Tell your story
All over England are places with a story to tell. The main characters won’t be the same, but the warmth and love you have for your town, city or village will match Polperro in Cornwall. Why not look at the census and tell us who the landlord of your favoured pub was in 1851.
The Missing Pieces Project invites you to share you pictures and insights of all the unique places that are all around us.
Do you have a seaside story? Are the places that you hold dear inland? You can add all your memories to any listed place.
Name and role
Name
Gareth Powell
Title and organisation
Missing Pieces Project Officer
at Historic England
Details
Description
I love to hear about social history. I think shared stories lead to a shared understanding about how we all love and care for our built environment.
Links and contact details
Also of interest
