Give Him a Little Earth

Skeletal remains of a male, dating from 1700, were found in Section 04 of Cornwall National Landscape (AONB), situated along a busy coast path in Trevone. The remains have provided investigation and intrigue.

Following the excavation of the remains, Richard Mikulski, Senior Archaeologist from Cornwall Archaeological Unit, examined them in more detail, discovering more about the bones and who he might have been…

About

Cornwall National Landscape are working with local author Gareth Rees and musician, Toby Lobb of Fisherman’s Friends, to creatively and sensitively bring these bones to life.

Aim

To explore the fictional life of the bones of Trevone to better engage with those in and outside of the protected landscape using art and storytelling as a mechanism for connection.

Project Overview

Project Overview

Skeletal remains of a male, dating from 1700, were found in Section 04 of Cornwall National Landscape (AONB), situated along a busy coast path in Trevone. The remains have provided intrigue, investigation and, with sensitivity, allow us an opportunity to explore the fictional life of the mystery male to better engage with those in and outside of the protected landscape using art and storytelling, as a mechanism for connection. We commissioned local author, Gareth Rees, to create a fictional account of the man’s life – what it may have been like based on the incredible information that archaeologist Richard was able to provide.

Alongside this short story, we commissioned Toby Lobb of Fisherman’s Friends, to write and produce a sea shanty for Cornwall National Landscape and the souls lost at sea.

Two special fundraising events are on the horizon, showcasing the book and music, including our very own sea shanty performed by Toby. These events will raise funds for a headstone to mark the remains, which will be reinterred in a non-denominational ceremony in Padstow. Funding will also be raised for Padstow RNLI.

Together with project partners, Cornwall Council Senior Historic Environment Team, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Padstow Town Council there are a series events designed to connect people with the archaeology, art, and landscape and seascape of Cornwall.

Aims - Goals & Objectives

Aims – Goals & Objectives

Goal

To raise funds for a memorial headstone and Padstow RNLI

Aim

Connect more people with the protected landscape and seascape of Cornwall

Objective

Raise awareness of the protected landscape and the connection between land and sea

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Benefits

Our Primary Purpose is to conserve and enhance Natural Beauty.

Our priority is to lead and support projects which deliver under these four key categories.

benefit to people

People

More people are engaged with the protected landscape using art as a mechanism for this connection.

benefit to place

Place

Trevone, Section 04 Cornwall National Landscape, is better understood for its natural beauty.

benefit to nature

Nature

A greater awareness of the flora and fauna special to the area.

benefit to climate

Climate

A greater awareness of coastal erosion, which exposes remains that have historically been buried by local communities for those unknown who drowned at sea.

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Events

Join us for a series of events exploring the story of the bones of Trevone….

Thursday 10th October: Story Café talk from Richard Mikulski. 6:30pm at Padstow Social Club. Hosted by Cornwall Heritage Trust.

Friday 11th October: Afternoon reading and Q&A session. 2.00pm at Padstow Church.

Saturday 12th October: Discovery Club Children’s Local History Mystery workshop at Padstow Community Hub. Hosted by Cornwall Heritage Trust.

Saturday 12th October: Evening reading and music. 6pm at Trevone Beach Café.

Discover events and book tickets
Further Information & Commissions

Give Him a Little Earth by Gareth Rees

Book commission

We commissioned local author, Gareth Rees, to create a fictional account of the mystery man’s life – what it may have been like based on the incredible information that archaeology was able to provide. The book, Give Him a Little Earth, with beautiful illustrations by Anupa Gardner, offers four fictional possibilities of the life of the bones of Trevone. Join us on the 11th and 12th of October for the launch of this new publication and to hear excerpts read by the author.

Black and white photo of Gareth Rees standing on a cliff top. Photo by Rebecca Rees Photography

Bury my Bones by Toby Lobb

Sea Shanty Commission

The best stories are the ones we share. A chance conversation with Toby Lobb of Fisherman’s Friends about the bones of Trevone inspired the writing of this new sea shanty. Join us on Saturday 12 October at Trevone Café to hear Toby perform this spellbinding song.

Black and white picture of Toby Lobb playing the guitar

Memorial Headstone

Stonecarving commission

Human remains are often exposed along the shoreline of Cornwall following winter storms. These are often the remains of storm-washed individuals who died at sea and were historically buried along the coastline by local communities. Cornwall Council are leading a commission to create a memorial headstone in Padstow Cemetery, for the bones of Trevone and other storm washed people. Our events will raise funds for this memorial.

Archaeologist digging on the cliff top at Trevone, Cornwall
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