Cornwall 1910 - Finished at Last!

Started in late October, now done in mid March, The story of Rose and Victoria's springtime holiday to St. Ives in Cornwall in May of 1910 - the waning years of the Edwardian Era. Each spread in accompanied by a journal entry written by Rose that tells of their adventures of that particular day.

May 17, 1910                 

St. Ives, Cornwall

Arrived this morning after taking a night express down

from London to Penzance and then boarding a small train

up to St. Ives.  We are staying at Gull Cottage, just a short

walk from the High Street and the shore is nearby also. 

The morning’s early chill has turned into a warm mid-day

with a delightful sea breeze. Spring blooms are everywhere,

 carpets of bluebells visible from the train windows as we sped

through the countryside, and it seems every house and shop has

hanging baskets of beautiful flowers in bright colours.

After luncheon, will stroll down to the sea to spend a

lazy afternoon reading and maybe some watercolours.

May 18, 1910

Rode on a very tiny train to Porth Kerris today. A fishing

 village clinging to the sea cliffs, with very steep lanes

leading down to the sea front.  We watched the fishermen

 bringing in their catch of pilchards.  Wandered through

 some intriguing tide pools full of small crabs and bright

 seaurchins.  A well respected potter has his shop here and

 we spent some time perusing the pieces on display.

I decided on a lovely sea blue vase, and, Victoria  a set of

delicate candlesticks in a soft ivory.  We dined on fresh

 caught crabs and a fresh baguette from a bakery next to

the restaurant,  surprisingly with a real French baker! 

Following an afternoon of exploring the surrounding woods

 and countryside, we caught the last train back to St. Ives.

I am writing this just before supper.  We are going to the home

 of Mr. and Mrs. Trevethin, friends of Victoria’s parents who

insisted we look them up while in St. Ives.

May 18, 1910 (late evening)

Mr. and Mrs. Trevethin were delightful!  They welcomed

Victoria and I so warmly and we felt “at home” in a trice.

The supper was rather topping – a creamy clam chowder,

Followed by fish in a lemon dill sauce that was light

and piquant, accompanied by new potatoes and fresh

baby peas (from Mrs. Trevethin’s kitchen garden.  We

Londoners tend to forget that Cornwall is blessed by

the Gulf Stream and Spring comes much earlier here at

Land’s End.  We have even seen palm trees!  Over coffee

the Trevethins talked to us about things to do during

our time here in St. Ives.  More tomorrow, dear journal,

but fresh sea air and good food have rendered me

exceedingly sleepy. And so to bed!

May 19, 1910

I am lingering over tea here in the breakfast room at

Gull Cottage. Our hostess, Mrs. Trelawney, is an excellent

Cook and her scones are light as air.  Victoria has stepped

out to the High Street to find some beach shoes – nothing

she brought along is doing the job.  I took the chance to

stay and write.  Soon I will go out to the garden and

paint awhile, the flowers are brilliant and several

birds come to the feeders that are scattered around.

Mrs. Trevethin told us of a marshy area a little ways

out of town that is teeming with herons, egrets and

all sorts of water fowl.  We plan to ferret it sometime soon.

More tomorrow as Rose and Victoria continue their joyous holiday!