Kresen Kernow
@kresenkernow.bsky.social
Home to a million and a half original documents, books & photographs relating to Cornwall's history! Provider of activities & resources linked to these! Connecting, collecting and inspiring people here and across the world with Cornwall's archive history.
Whoop! Exciting news – we are delighted to share that we have been awarded funding from The National Archives Research and Innovation programme for our Mapping the Past for the Future project, which will start next year.
November 25, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Whoop! Exciting news – we are delighted to share that we have been awarded funding from The National Archives Research and Innovation programme for our Mapping the Past for the Future project, which will start next year.
Here is a Victorian treasure with a musical twist 🎶📸
This photo album, from around 1870, doesn’t just hold memories—it plays them!
Hidden in the back is a wind-up mechanism that performs ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ and ‘Let Me Like a Soldier Fall’. A glimpse of history you can hear as well as see!
This photo album, from around 1870, doesn’t just hold memories—it plays them!
Hidden in the back is a wind-up mechanism that performs ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ and ‘Let Me Like a Soldier Fall’. A glimpse of history you can hear as well as see!
November 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Here is a Victorian treasure with a musical twist 🎶📸
This photo album, from around 1870, doesn’t just hold memories—it plays them!
Hidden in the back is a wind-up mechanism that performs ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ and ‘Let Me Like a Soldier Fall’. A glimpse of history you can hear as well as see!
This photo album, from around 1870, doesn’t just hold memories—it plays them!
Hidden in the back is a wind-up mechanism that performs ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ and ‘Let Me Like a Soldier Fall’. A glimpse of history you can hear as well as see!
Celebrate Redruth in Lights at Kresen Kernow with Rainbow Window Stars, on Saturday 29 November, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by maps from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by maps from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
November 19, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Celebrate Redruth in Lights at Kresen Kernow with Rainbow Window Stars, on Saturday 29 November, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by maps from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by maps from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
In 2013, the Imperial War Museum recognised Heligan’s Thunderbox Room as a ‘living memorial’ to the gardeners of Heligan.
The archive collection of the Tremayne family includes documents from as early as the 12th century, as well as deeds, leases, marriage settlements, rentals, surveys and diaries.
The archive collection of the Tremayne family includes documents from as early as the 12th century, as well as deeds, leases, marriage settlements, rentals, surveys and diaries.
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
In 2013, the Imperial War Museum recognised Heligan’s Thunderbox Room as a ‘living memorial’ to the gardeners of Heligan.
The archive collection of the Tremayne family includes documents from as early as the 12th century, as well as deeds, leases, marriage settlements, rentals, surveys and diaries.
The archive collection of the Tremayne family includes documents from as early as the 12th century, as well as deeds, leases, marriage settlements, rentals, surveys and diaries.
After the First World War, when its gardeners left for the front, the gardens fell into neglect and were reclaimed by nature.
A chance discovery in 1990 sparked Europe’s largest garden restoration project, transforming Heligan’s 200 acres into a haven of history, wildlife and horticulture.
A chance discovery in 1990 sparked Europe’s largest garden restoration project, transforming Heligan’s 200 acres into a haven of history, wildlife and horticulture.
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
After the First World War, when its gardeners left for the front, the gardens fell into neglect and were reclaimed by nature.
A chance discovery in 1990 sparked Europe’s largest garden restoration project, transforming Heligan’s 200 acres into a haven of history, wildlife and horticulture.
A chance discovery in 1990 sparked Europe’s largest garden restoration project, transforming Heligan’s 200 acres into a haven of history, wildlife and horticulture.
Our A to Z of Cornish gardens and gardening continues and for H we wanted to share one of Cornwall’s most magical of gardens – the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once part of a thriving Cornish estate owned by the Tremayne family of St Ewe.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once part of a thriving Cornish estate owned by the Tremayne family of St Ewe.
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Our A to Z of Cornish gardens and gardening continues and for H we wanted to share one of Cornwall’s most magical of gardens – the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once part of a thriving Cornish estate owned by the Tremayne family of St Ewe.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once part of a thriving Cornish estate owned by the Tremayne family of St Ewe.
Cornish Tales of Place by Anna Chorlton celebrates Cornwall’s landscapes, people, and folklore. From Penwith to Perranporth, discover mermaids, giants, dragons, witches & more—illustrated by local children and artists. Let your imagination roam! #weeklyreads
November 17, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Cornish Tales of Place by Anna Chorlton celebrates Cornwall’s landscapes, people, and folklore. From Penwith to Perranporth, discover mermaids, giants, dragons, witches & more—illustrated by local children and artists. Let your imagination roam! #weeklyreads
Are you interested in family history, but not sure where to start? Maybe you've started but are not sure where to go next?
Join us THIS SATURDAY (15 November), 10am-2pm, when you'll be able to talk to members of Cornwall Family History Society about how to get started!
Join us THIS SATURDAY (15 November), 10am-2pm, when you'll be able to talk to members of Cornwall Family History Society about how to get started!
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Are you interested in family history, but not sure where to start? Maybe you've started but are not sure where to go next?
Join us THIS SATURDAY (15 November), 10am-2pm, when you'll be able to talk to members of Cornwall Family History Society about how to get started!
Join us THIS SATURDAY (15 November), 10am-2pm, when you'll be able to talk to members of Cornwall Family History Society about how to get started!
It’s Movember – an annual event that encourages growing a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide.
November 13, 2025 at 11:08 AM
It’s Movember – an annual event that encourages growing a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide.
Celebrate Redruth in Lights at Kresen Kernow with Rainbow Window Stars, on Saturday 29 November, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by documents from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by documents from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Celebrate Redruth in Lights at Kresen Kernow with Rainbow Window Stars, on Saturday 29 November, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by documents from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
Learn how to fold colourful wax paper and make your own star or be inspired by documents from our collections and make a star from copies of ancient maps!
🔍 Curious about family history? Join us Sat 15 Nov, 10am–2pm at Kresen Kernow! Chat with Cornwall Family History Society, get research tips, and join a short intro to our resources at 12.30pm. Free advice whether you're just starting or stuck! #FamilyHistory #Cornwall
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
🔍 Curious about family history? Join us Sat 15 Nov, 10am–2pm at Kresen Kernow! Chat with Cornwall Family History Society, get research tips, and join a short intro to our resources at 12.30pm. Free advice whether you're just starting or stuck! #FamilyHistory #Cornwall
Today is Hug a Bear Day! 🧸
This day is all about hugging a teddy bear – but don’t forget to spread the love and hug your loved ones and pets too!
In the George Ellis collection, we have several portrait photographs featuring children and teddy bears.
This day is all about hugging a teddy bear – but don’t forget to spread the love and hug your loved ones and pets too!
In the George Ellis collection, we have several portrait photographs featuring children and teddy bears.
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Today is Hug a Bear Day! 🧸
This day is all about hugging a teddy bear – but don’t forget to spread the love and hug your loved ones and pets too!
In the George Ellis collection, we have several portrait photographs featuring children and teddy bears.
This day is all about hugging a teddy bear – but don’t forget to spread the love and hug your loved ones and pets too!
In the George Ellis collection, we have several portrait photographs featuring children and teddy bears.
The theme this month for Explore Your Archives is religion and spirituality.
This collection of documents relate in different ways to what was known as the ‘Shouters’ chapel, situated at the top of Campfield Hill in Truro.
This collection of documents relate in different ways to what was known as the ‘Shouters’ chapel, situated at the top of Campfield Hill in Truro.
November 6, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The theme this month for Explore Your Archives is religion and spirituality.
This collection of documents relate in different ways to what was known as the ‘Shouters’ chapel, situated at the top of Campfield Hill in Truro.
This collection of documents relate in different ways to what was known as the ‘Shouters’ chapel, situated at the top of Campfield Hill in Truro.
Will you be celebrating Bonfire night tonight? 🎇
These Cubs and Girl Guides were making their Guy Fawkes preparations, when photographer George Ellis took this photo on 5 November 1955.
#bonfirenight #guyfawkes #fireworks #bonfiretraditions
These Cubs and Girl Guides were making their Guy Fawkes preparations, when photographer George Ellis took this photo on 5 November 1955.
#bonfirenight #guyfawkes #fireworks #bonfiretraditions
November 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Will you be celebrating Bonfire night tonight? 🎇
These Cubs and Girl Guides were making their Guy Fawkes preparations, when photographer George Ellis took this photo on 5 November 1955.
#bonfirenight #guyfawkes #fireworks #bonfiretraditions
These Cubs and Girl Guides were making their Guy Fawkes preparations, when photographer George Ellis took this photo on 5 November 1955.
#bonfirenight #guyfawkes #fireworks #bonfiretraditions
Come and join Speak Cornish THIS THURSDAY 6 November, 2-3.30pm, to learn some Cornish!
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
November 4, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Come and join Speak Cornish THIS THURSDAY 6 November, 2-3.30pm, to learn some Cornish!
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
#WeeklyReads: November - Alfred Wallis: Child Pauper to Artistic Luminary by Matilda Webb.
🖌️ Wallis began painting at 70, capturing ships & memories of old Cornwall. His work helped shape British Modern Art.
📚 This 500+ page biography explores his Cornish roots, life at sea & artistic legacy.
🖌️ Wallis began painting at 70, capturing ships & memories of old Cornwall. His work helped shape British Modern Art.
📚 This 500+ page biography explores his Cornish roots, life at sea & artistic legacy.
November 3, 2025 at 10:46 AM
#WeeklyReads: November - Alfred Wallis: Child Pauper to Artistic Luminary by Matilda Webb.
🖌️ Wallis began painting at 70, capturing ships & memories of old Cornwall. His work helped shape British Modern Art.
📚 This 500+ page biography explores his Cornish roots, life at sea & artistic legacy.
🖌️ Wallis began painting at 70, capturing ships & memories of old Cornwall. His work helped shape British Modern Art.
📚 This 500+ page biography explores his Cornish roots, life at sea & artistic legacy.
🎃✨ Discover the magic of Cornish folklore this Halloween! ✨🎃
Are you looking for a local, family-friendly, Halloween event?
Join us on Thursday 30 October, 10am-12pm, for a spooky storytelling workshop with author and storyteller Alasdair Hoswell - perfect for curious adventurers of all ages!
Are you looking for a local, family-friendly, Halloween event?
Join us on Thursday 30 October, 10am-12pm, for a spooky storytelling workshop with author and storyteller Alasdair Hoswell - perfect for curious adventurers of all ages!
October 29, 2025 at 11:40 AM
🎃✨ Discover the magic of Cornish folklore this Halloween! ✨🎃
Are you looking for a local, family-friendly, Halloween event?
Join us on Thursday 30 October, 10am-12pm, for a spooky storytelling workshop with author and storyteller Alasdair Hoswell - perfect for curious adventurers of all ages!
Are you looking for a local, family-friendly, Halloween event?
Join us on Thursday 30 October, 10am-12pm, for a spooky storytelling workshop with author and storyteller Alasdair Hoswell - perfect for curious adventurers of all ages!
Come and join Speak Cornish on Thursday 6 November, 2-3.30pm, to learn some Cornish!
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
October 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Come and join Speak Cornish on Thursday 6 November, 2-3.30pm, to learn some Cornish!
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
Aimed at beginners or people with just a little Kernewek but open to all, it’s free and there’s no need to book.
Splann!
#learncornish #speakcornish @speakcornish
Spooky fun this half-term! 🎃 Tues 28 & Wed 29 Oct: Craft Halloween scenes with Cornish stone circles & rainbow wax paper. Thurs 30 Oct: Join Alasdair Hoswell for legends, magic & myths! Free, 10am–12pm, all ages, no booking. #CornwallArchives #HalloweenCrafts
October 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Spooky fun this half-term! 🎃 Tues 28 & Wed 29 Oct: Craft Halloween scenes with Cornish stone circles & rainbow wax paper. Thurs 30 Oct: Join Alasdair Hoswell for legends, magic & myths! Free, 10am–12pm, all ages, no booking. #CornwallArchives #HalloweenCrafts
Who doesn’t love a map? 🗺️ This 1576 Elizabethan map by Christopher Saxton features sea monsters—once drawn to spark imagination or hint at ocean mysteries. They vanished by the late 1600s as science advanced. #eyamonsters #cornishmaps #seamonsters @exploreyourarchive.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Who doesn’t love a map? 🗺️ This 1576 Elizabethan map by Christopher Saxton features sea monsters—once drawn to spark imagination or hint at ocean mysteries. They vanished by the late 1600s as science advanced. #eyamonsters #cornishmaps #seamonsters @exploreyourarchive.bsky.social
Our latest exhibition is OPEN! 🎉 Celebrating 40 years of Cornwall Heritage Trust, it explores human stories behind Cornwall’s ancient sites using rare documents from both archives. Free entry during usual hours. #peopleandplaces #cornwallsocialhistory
October 22, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Our latest exhibition is OPEN! 🎉 Celebrating 40 years of Cornwall Heritage Trust, it explores human stories behind Cornwall’s ancient sites using rare documents from both archives. Free entry during usual hours. #peopleandplaces #cornwallsocialhistory
Our #WeeklyReads dives into spooky Cornish tales! 📚 Cornish Horrors (@britishlibrary.bsky.social) brings Gothic stories by Poe, Stoker & more, plus local legends of mines, shipwrecks & folklore. Perfect for dark autumn nights! #KresenKernow #CornwallArchives
October 21, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Our #WeeklyReads dives into spooky Cornish tales! 📚 Cornish Horrors (@britishlibrary.bsky.social) brings Gothic stories by Poe, Stoker & more, plus local legends of mines, shipwrecks & folklore. Perfect for dark autumn nights! #KresenKernow #CornwallArchives
On a more serious note, we hold a 1675 deposition from Martha Lewes of East Looe, accusing her mother Jane Lewes of witchcraft - a chilling glimpse into Cornwall’s past.
October 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM
On a more serious note, we hold a 1675 deposition from Martha Lewes of East Looe, accusing her mother Jane Lewes of witchcraft - a chilling glimpse into Cornwall’s past.
Our library’s folklore section includes beautifully illustrated books including ‘Faeries’ by Brian Froud and Alan Lee - a treasure trove of legends and myths. 🎥 And yes, if the creatures remind you of the 1980’s film Labyrinth, you're spot on - Froud was a concept designer for the movie!
October 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Our library’s folklore section includes beautifully illustrated books including ‘Faeries’ by Brian Froud and Alan Lee - a treasure trove of legends and myths. 🎥 And yes, if the creatures remind you of the 1980’s film Labyrinth, you're spot on - Froud was a concept designer for the movie!
👹 This October, we're featuring monsters for the Explore Your Archive theme, and the collections at Kresen Kernow are full of fascinating folklore and fearsome tales!
October 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM
👹 This October, we're featuring monsters for the Explore Your Archive theme, and the collections at Kresen Kernow are full of fascinating folklore and fearsome tales!