Life in Cornwall in the Early Nineteenth Century

Members might share an interest in the recently published extracts from the West Briton dating from 181, selected by R.M.Barton (Dyllansow Truran ISBN 1-85022-112-X)

In a way hard to define, the reports of daily life in a local seem to evoke the atmosphere of the age far more convincingly than the best history text book or historic novel. The remarkable diaries of Pepys and closer at hand the teen-aged member of the Fox family have a similar impact.

Here are some examples:

LIFE PRESERVERS FOR SEAMEN

An experiment of great importance to seamen in general, was made at Falmouth on Monday last. A mattress so contrived as to answer the double purpose of a seaman’s bed and a life preserver, was exhibited before a great number of spectators, who were fully satisfied that the inventor had attained the desirable object which he proposed. The buoyance of this life preserver and its capability of supporting a human body for any length of time were made evident. A hole in the centre, into which a cushion falls, admits the head, and the cushion is so contrived as to answer the purpose of a cap which preserves the head from injury. It is recommended to the Packet service and is likely to come into general use. 2 April 1813

HOUSES OF ILL FAME AT FALMOUTH

Catherine Mitchell being found guilty of keeping a house of ill-fame in Falmouth, was sentenced to be imprisoned for two months and to pay a fine of ten pounds, and to be farther imprisoned until it was paid. Elizabeth Tresidder, for committing a similar offence in the parish of Budock, was sentenced to be imprisoned a fortnight, and fined one shilling. Ann Lampshire, who surrendered in discharge of her bail, was found guilty of keeping a disorderly house in the parish of Budock, and was ordered to be imprisoned for one month, and fined a shilling. Matilda Lisle, charged with frequenting houses of ill-fame, was reprimanded by the chairman and discharged. 30 April 1813

Other fascinating stories include: STEALING MILK FROM A COW, TURTLES FOR SALE AT FALMOUTH, MERMAIDS AT MAWGAN PORTH, ELOPED FROM HER HOME.

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