The parish of

NEWQUAY

More information and photographs

Courtesy of OPC, Pauline Pickup

Newquay is a town and civil parish on the North Atlantic coast of Cornwall. It is bounded to the west by the River Gannel and its associated salt marsh, and in the east by the Porth valley. Sixteen hundred years ago all that existed within the modern boundary was a fortified Iron Age settlement on Porth Island. However, there is evidence of occupation long before that in the Bronze Age which can be seen on the Barrowfields, an open space above the beaches of Newquay, so called because of the barrows/tumuli which have been found there. Fifteen barrows have been identified here, but sadly few remain. Before anyone understood their historic importance, a local farmer, named Cardell, removed much of the stone from most of the barrows for nothing more sinister than to shore up the walls surrounding his fields. One of the barrows was excavated, and deep at the centre was found charred cooking pots and a coarse pottery burial urn containing the mortal remains of a Bronze Age Chieftain, who lived here some 3,500 years ago. It was believed that sacred sites such as these were used not only for the honouring of their dead but also places for gathering and celebration. In the 1920's the Barrowfields was purchased by the town council who preserved it as a recreational area, and it is still maintained as such to this day.

The town has been expanding inland (south) since it was founded. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 19,423. The first census data on Newquay records around 1300 inhabitants in 1801.

There has been much change since Iron Age man smelted ore here for weapons and tools. The curve of the headland around what is now Newquay harbour provided natural protection from bad weather and a small fishing village grew up in the area. When the village was first occupied is unknown but it is not mentioned in the Doomsday Book, although a local house (now a bar known as "Trenninick Tavern") is included. By the 15th century the village was called Towan Blystra. Towan means sand hill/dune in Cornish. However, the anchorage was exposed to winds from the North East and in 1439 the local Burghers applied to Bishop Lacey of Exeter for leave and funds to build a new quay from which the present town derives its name.

In former times the small fishing village was famous for pilchards. The Huer’s Hut pictured here is thought to date back to the 14th century. It is now a Grade 2 listed building. Information from Newquay Town Council suggests that the hut may have been a Hermitage, the hermit possibly being responsible for the lighting of the beacon fire for the guidance of shipping.
On seeing the distinctive ripple on the surface of the sea, known locally as 'the shirming' and the reddish purple hue just beneath the surface, the Huer would shout down a megaphone-like trumpet "Hubba, Hubba," or "Heva, Heva," and this cry would spread throughout the locality, causing much excitement. Everyone would rush to the quay and to their boats, urged on all the while and guided by their Huer. There was much competition, as each Fish Cellar was responsible for its own Huer, together with its 'Seine Boat' and two smaller boats the 'Volyer' and 'Lurker' with their attendant crews, and dozens of men, women and children in their employ. Such was the importance of the sighting of a shoal of pilchard that all work would stop, as everyone made their way to the harbour or cove nearest to their fish cellar. It is even said that when the cry went up on Sundays the churches would empty. At one funeral, in 1833, only the pastor, the sexton and the deceased were left when the Huer's cry was heard. The remains of some of the fish cellars can still be seen today. Beyond the North Quay of the harbour is the Active Promenade and shelter on the site of one of Newquay's old fish cellars. The little cove beyond, with the ruins of Good Intent Fish Cellar above, has a natural arch and many traces of the former industry in the shape of iron rings in the rocks, cuttings and breakwater can be seen. There were many other cellars, Unity, The Fly, The Hope, The Spy, Treffry and Speculation, all long since gone, but all part of the rich history of the fishing industry in Newquay. Today, there is little fishing carried out in Newquay, other than some crabbing. Most boats are now used as pleasure craft for the influx of visitors during the summer months.

Although there has been a harbour in Newquay since 1439, it wasn't until 1770 that its importance as a commercial harbour really took off. Richard Lomax, a speculator from London, had a plan to create a three acre enclosed harbour from which mineral ore could be shipped to the smelters in South Wales. However, Lomax died in 1836, and sadly never saw his plans come to fruition. His company, Lomax Holdings, was purchased by Joseph Treffry, a mine owner from Fowey. He built the Newquay Railway, connecting the harbour to the tramway high above the cliffs. Wagons were hauled through a tunnel using cables wound around a drum and powered by two winding engines, known as Whims. Today the tunnel is used to house Newquay Rowing Club's Pilot Gigs. Gigs were used in the 19th century to ferry pilots out to ships, so they could be guided safely into the harbour. There was fierce competition and rich rewards for the pilots and the gig crews, known as Hobblers, to be the first to reach the incoming schooners. In 1840 there were four such gigs working out of this harbour; The Girl I Love, Treffry, Dove and Newquay, which is still in use today.

In the centre of the harbour is an isolated stone pier, built in 1872. It connected South Quay by a 150 foot long timber trestle. Tram tracks were laid along South Quay and onto to the centre pier enabling more iron ore, processed fish, china clay and china stone to be loaded onto the waiting cargo vessels. Ore was transported in wagons to the top of the cliff and discharged down chutes into large heaps below. From there it was taken along the tracks to the ships moored on the quay. You can still see the ore chutes in the retaining wall to the right of the tunnel. When sail gave way to steam, Newquay became uneconomical as a trading harbour and the last vessel to bring cargo and leave fully laden was the schooner, Hetty in 1921.

The prosperity of Newquay today is based on tourism. The population swells during the summer months to in excess of 100,000, a far cry from the 1300 inhabitants of 1801. Much of Newquay’s popularity as a holiday destinations stems from its glorious beaches which are all easily accessible. It has in latter years become a mecca for the surfing fraternity, and many championships are held on Fistral Beach, attracting surfers from all over the world.
 
There is much more to Newquay than what is written here. Please refer back to this page, as more information will be added over time, along with photos both past and present.
 

Towan Beach, Newquay c. 1939	The Gannel, Newquay