*Updated - 14 July, 2011

Click to enlarge

Welcome to the ancient fishing village of Polruan, famous for its boat building heritage. The Fowey river estuary is a thriving centre for fishing, seafaring, shipbuilding and agriculture.

Polruan is part of the parish of Lanteglos-by-Fowey which is bounded by water on three sides - Penpoll Creek to the north, the Fowey River to the west and the sea to the south. The natural defences of sea and river, made the area an attractive dwelling place for the earliest inhabitants. This remoteness gives the area its unspoilt charm with its narrow streets and narrower alleyways where flights of slate steps twist between the houses.

Polruan is based on the south coast of Cornwall on the river Fowey. If you are looking at a map you will find this wonderful village opposite Fowey. It is a small village with only one road in or out. The road goes through the middle of the village and ends up on the village quay, where you will find the Lugger Inn, which like most houses in the village has its own interesting history. There are, however, two pubs in the village, the second being the Russell Inn, which is literally just up the steps from the Lugger Inn. Both pubs offer an excellent range of food at very reasonable prices. From the quay you will find a passenger ferry that will take you across to Fowey. The journey taking about 5 - 10 minutes. At the top of the village itself there is a camp site should you feel hardy, but they have mobile homes available to rent.
The beauty of either visiting or coming to stay in Polruan is that it is unspoilt. Being built on the side of a hill it has, thankfully not allowed too much expansion and commercialisation and as a result has retained much of its charm. In the main street itself (Fore Street - as you will find in most Cornish villages) you will find the Polruan Stores and the Harbour Cafe, on the Quay is The WinklePicker Shop (which is also the Post Office) .
Polruan has something to offer everybody. August bank holiday is a must if you enjoy a carnival. Fowey starts the festivities off with their carnival usually a week before bank holiday, with activities every night ending with the candle lit processesion down the river which is followed by a firework display. This has to be seen to be believed. The following week Polruan has its carnival with a band and fancy dress for all ages. On the quay itself you will find a wide variety of stalls with lots of goodies to purchase. One stall will allow you to buy a ball for the ball rolling competition. They have over a thousand numbered balls that they roll down the main street, which is a rather steep hill. What you do, is to pay to put your name against a particular number ball, and if that ball is the first to reach the bottom of the hill then the prize is yours. The carnival procession starts on the quay and goes to the school field at the top of the village and then parades all the way round the village, collecting money for charity on the way.

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POLRUAN and district

A very old fishing village and where most of the fishing boat building took place (and today there is still an active boat yard, building and repairing boats of all types). It is said that St Ruan was the first to occupy the top of Polruan Hill, which is where St Saviours ruin stands today. Polruan is very steep and well protected from the prevailing winds and Polruan Pool is a haven for small boats. Polruan is part of the parish of Lanteglos-by-Fowey and many of the residents are artists and writers who are attracted to the quiet nature of the village. The Polruan Ferry crosses the river to Fowey every 15 minutes every day of the year and is still the best way in and out of the village, as the alternative is either a drive to the Bodinnic Ferry or via Lostwithiel, a 40 minute journey.

Blockhouse
This blockhouse is comparatively well preserved due to the efforts of various enthusiastic councillors and conservationists on the Polruan side of the river. There were two (the Fowey side being ruined beyond hope) which were built end of the 14th century to protect the harbour from pirates and the French. A chain was pulled up across the river between the two blockhouses to stop vessels entering the harbour and conversely, to stop them leaving if they had the temerity to "cross the line".

This predates Henry’s defences by almost one hundred years. In 1457 the French launched a raid against Fowey Harbour, and as a result a boom defence was added. There were two towers, one at Fowey, and this one at Polruan, and it was between these that the chain was stretched. The towers mounted small calibre guns, and were designed so that the staircase to the battlements was separate from that between the ground and first floor.

Polruan was once a major shipbuilding port; in the 19th century it launched over 6,000 tons of shipping. The blockhouse on the shore to the right was the castle from where a chain was stretched across the river for protection in times of war. Not that it always worked - in 1457 a Breton fleet broke through and sacked Fowey.

St Saviours Ruin
Standing high on the hill overlooking Polruan, St Saviours chapel was built long before any of the surrounding churches and dates from the 8th century. The remaining buttress indicates that the chapel was solidly built and was a prominent landmark for ships. It would have been a good lookout point for checking on approaching enemy vessels and the first monks would have been effective coastguards providing a warning by ringing the chapel's bells. St Saviours was enlarged by Sir Richard Edgcumbe in 1488.

Punche's Cross (or Paunches. Pontius. Ponts. or the French Ponce' Cross)
Lying at the eastern tip of the Fowey River below the cliffs to the south-west of St Saviours Point, this cross is said to be associated with Pontious Pilate as well as Jesus' uncle, Joseph of Arimethea, who it is said passed this way with the young Jesus to inspect his tin mines. It is marked on very early charts and if the cross was damaged by storms, it was reinstated by monks from Tywardreath. It is today under the responsibility of the Fowey Harbour Commissioners. The true origin of the name is unknown but it may be a corruption of Pontius. Whatever its real history, it is an important warning, as when the tide is high, only the top of the cross is visible, indicating that there are some very dangerous rocks below!

Brazen Island
Originally an isolated rock (hence the name) which is now incorporated into the main building, which was a sardine factory in 1883 but liquidated shortly after in 1887 (presumably through the lack of sardines). The Freehold of the factory was purchased by the Fowey Harbour Commissioners in 1926. The transition from sail to steam and later, diesel engines, created the need for an engineering works and from this time, the present complex, slipway and works was gradually built. The Lantic Bay Dredger was built here in 1953 and is still working full time.

Ferryside
This is the du Mauriers ' family home bought in 1927 and where Daphne du Maurier wrote her first book 'The Loving .Spirit in l928/9, (published in 1931). It is also where she met her future husband Boy Browning whom she married in 1932 and who was then a Major in the Grenadier Guards and later became Lieutenant General Sir Frederick Browning. Daphne du Maurier was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1969. The house has, until recently, been lived in by Angela du Maurier and is now occupied by Daphne du Maurier's son and his family. It was a boat-builders yard and had water running right through what is now an impressive sitting room, with magnificent views across the harbour out to the sea. The back wall of the house is the rock cliff face and has been incorporated marvellously into the house.

Bodinnick
A unique and pleasant way to enter or leave Fowey, is to take the Bodinnick vehicle ferry and cross the river. Bodinnick is on the east side of the river, and, a short steep climb up through the village beyond 'The Ferry Inn', on the right-hand side, can be found the start of the Hall Walk, which takes you over Pont Creek and ends in Polruan, where a passenger ferry returns you to Fowey. Along this pathway will be found the 'Q' memorial and at Pont, the old wharf is still there and is part of a delightful cottage which is now a National Trust property which can be rented for holidays.

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Hall Walk: Polruan to Bodinnick

Tracey Tucker sets out to retrace Daphne du Maurier's footsteps through a historic part of Cornwall on the Hall Walk from Polruan to Bodinnick.

Polruan, in Cornwall, is imbued with a lingering, romantic atmosphere, for the history round these waters is truly ancient and whispers as you pass by.

One of the most interesting walks in this area is the Hall Walk, a three-mile excursion for which, if you are to enjoy it to the full, you should set aside a day.

The original walk was designed as the promenade for Hall Manor, which was built just above Bodinnick for an influential Cornish family in the 13th century. It is probable that the walk would then have included only the stretch of land round Penleath Point, but it was extended in later years to its present length.

1. Start off at Polruan, where the seagulls create a cacophony of cries. From the blockhouse - a dramatic starting-point - walk along West Street, across Fore Street and up East Street. You can only walk so far along East Street, before coming to a gate, beyond which you cannot go. Turn right here and you will see a sign that reads - in the manner of all good adventure stories - 'To the hills'.

2. Follow the steps up, past a big, pink house, until turning left onto a woodland path. Soon, there are fine views, over shingled roofs and seagull nests, out across the harbour and its swaying, clinking boats. It is no wonder that Mabel Lucie Attwell, doyenne of the English postcard, painted fairies and elves for children's books here.

3. If you keep to the main track you will eventually come to a small, clear brook, full of coppery stones. As you leave the woodland, you will see the estuary, Pont Pill, to your left. This is most definitely a place to stop and contemplate the wildlife. With the roots of trees clawing at the mud in the basin, you could almost be in Africa or some far-off swamp land.

4. Follow the signs and the main track to Pont, where you will be taken in by the beauty of the tiny harbour. A number of writers lived and wrote at Pont Creek - Kenneth Grahame for one was inspired by its unique peace.

5. Cross the Pont footbridge and walk to the edge of the woods, veer to your right to find the path again and then take a sharp left to walk on the other side of the creek. Follow the woodland path until you come to a gate and a field.

6. Walk along the bottom of the field and you will soon discover breathtaking vistas. You are approaching Penleath Point, which is marked by the 'Q' memorial, in memory of the writer Sir Arthur QuillerCouch - otherwise known as 'Q'.

7. As you look across the water from here, towards Fowey, there is a fine view of Place, a turreted building which towers like some fantastical castle above the town. Continue along the path, past the war memorial to your left and down towards a tinygateway.

8. This is the entrance to Bodinnick. The village has hardly changed since it was first visited by Daphne du Maurier. The house by the water at the bottom of the hill was her first Cornish home - the Swiss Cottage, which she renamed Ferryside.

9. Take the passenger ferry to return to Polruan.

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Lantic Bay (near Polruan)

The Dredger 'Lantic Bay' built at Polruan

The Quay as it used to be

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Updated - 14 July, 2011

PolruanFerrySong.mp3

Lanteglos Parish Council

Keith Charman MILCM

Officer of the Council and Responsible Finance Officer

22 Meadow Close, Polruan by Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1QS Tel:01726870719

e-mail: Parish Clerk

Council Minutes Members Meetings Other Links

Finance Summary 2008/09 Cornwall Council

Lanteglos Parish Boundary (Click to enlarge)

Polruan Village (Click to enlarge)

Polruan Conservation Area (Click to enlarge)

COMPOSITION OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council comprises 11 elected councillors (also called members), who are volunteers drawn from the local community, plus a salaried clerk (also called an officer). Councillors are normally elected every four years, although the next elections have been delayed until 2013, to coincide with the second Unitary (“One Cornwall”) Elections. The council’s Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected each May, from among councillors.

Currently, all parish councillors in Lanteglos are “independents”, in that they do not represent any political parties, but instead the general interest of the local community. However, there is nothing to prevent candidates from political parties from standing for election to the council.

MEETINGS

Parish Council meetings are usually held on the Last Monday of the month (except Bank Holidays) at 7.00 p.m. in the Women's Institute Hall, Polruan. (January and July at Whitecross Village Hall).

All meetings are open to the public, other than when confidential business is being considered. At the start of every meeting there is an opportunity for the public to comment on agenda items. At the end of every Parish Council meeting there is a further public comment and question period. Here people have the opportunity to bring up any matters which may be of concern or interest to the community as a whole.

Agendas Minutes and other information are all available on the notice board, or from the Parish Council office. Most documents can also be found on this web site.

BUDGET

The council’s annual (April to March) budget is set in December the previous year, when present and future needs of the Parish are discussed, and priorities agreed and costed. County Council collects the parish precept through the council tax, and provides this to the Parish Council in precept in two instalments during the year.

COUNCIL SERVICES

Within the Parish, some services are provided by the Parish Council. Guidance on these is provided from the clerk or within this website.

However, the majority of services are provided by the Cornwall Council.

• Benefits	Cornwall Council	)
• Education Services	Cornwall Council	)
• Environment & Waste	Cornwall Council	) Opens
• Highways / Traffic	Cornwall Council	) New
• Housing	Cornwall Council	) Window
• Planning	Cornwall Council	)
• Refuse Collection	Cornwall Council	)
• Street Cleansing	Cornwall Council	)

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Disclaimer & Terms of Use

Disclaimer & Terms of Use

Your use of this website is subject to the following terms and conditions, which you are deemed to accept each time you use the Lanteglos Parish Council website:

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Lanteglos Parish Council and by external sources. Lanteglos Parish Council makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about its timeliness, completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability and does not accept any liability for errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Details of any business or organisation included in the Lanteglos Parish Council website are provided for information only and this does not imply any endorsement by Lanteglos Parish Council of that business or organisation or of their services or products.
All information within this website is subject to change by Lanteglos Parish Council without notice.
Since no authentication of visitors is provided on this site Lanteglos Parish Council cannot be held responsible for any acts of impersonation and will assume all information submitted is genuine unless there is reason to doubt its authenticity. Should you suspect that a false entry has been made using your identity please advise the Lanteglos Parish Council and appropriate corrective action will be considered.
Lanteglos Parish Council is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any websites to which the Lanteglos Parish Council website is linked. Inclusion of a link should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind and any use of a linked website is at your own risk.
To the extent permitted by applicable laws, Lanteglos Parish Council expressly disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from the use or inability to use this web site whether directly or indirectly resulting from inaccuracies, defects, errors, whether typographical or otherwise, omissions, out of date information or otherwise, even if such loss was reasonably foreseeable and Lanteglos Parish Council had been advised of the possibility of the same. Consequential and indirect loss and damage shall include but not be limited to loss of profits, loss of goodwill, wasted expenditure and loss or corruption of data. This disclaimer of liability shall not apply to damages for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Lanteglos Parish Council.
You agree to use the Lanteglos Parish Council website only for lawful purposes, and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the website.
You agree to indemnify Lanteglos Parish Council and keep Lanteglos Parish Council indemnified against all costs, expenses, claims, losses, liabilities or proceedings arising from use or misuse by you of the Lanteglos Parish Council website.
Keith Charman owns the copyright of all the pages and images used on this website unless otherwise stated. They may not be copied or reproduced without permission.
In accordance with Data Protection Act 1998, Lanteglos Parish Council will only process any data we hold about you in a lawful and fair manner and your data will be kept securely to prevent unauthorised access by third parties.
These website terms and conditions may be changed by Lanteglos Parish Council at any time. You will be deemed to accept the terms and conditions (as amended) when you next use this site following any amendment.
If any provision of these terms and conditions is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.
These terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

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Lanteglos Parish Plan 2005

Parish Plan Update

The Lanteglos Parish Council, having previously adopted the Parish Plan, at their Council meeting on 25^th April 2005, resolved to have three sections and associated projects of the Parish Plan as priority issues, they are (followed by the persons who will initially be promoting and coordinating the projects) : section 1: housing and development, Helen Swiggs & Alan Toms. Section 3: community services and facilities, Gavin Shakerley & Bill Pittman. Section 4: health and social services, Geoff Hurley, Edwin Teuton & Ray Rigg.

The Parish Council would encourage any members of the community who are interested in these projects and would like to join a committee dealing with any of these items to contact the Parish Clerk.

As well as the three prioritised projects, below is a list of the other projects identified in the Parish Plan, if anyone, or organisation, is interested in taking these projects further, please contact the Parish Clerk for further information.

Keith Charman, Parish Clerk

(22 Meadow Close, Polruan, phone 01726 870719).

Project summary

(a booklet containing this project summary has been delivered to every household in the Parish)

Section 1: housing and development

Project 1: to provide an adequate supply of affordable homes for a range of people within the community such as local residents in housing need, first-time buyers, young people and elderly people.

Section 2: employment

Project 1: to create a thriving economy, while ensuring that new developments within the parish are small-scale and sympathetic to the surrounding area and amenities.

Project 2: to improve and create employment opportunities for people locally.

Section 3: community services and facilities

Project 1: support for Village Hall on the Parish.

Project 2: retain existing Post Office.

Project 3: providing a safe crime free environment for residents the Parish.

Project 4: reducing the current problem of illegal parking by enforcing parking laws.

Section 4: health and social services

Project 1: improve access to a range of health facilities, particularly hospital, doctor, chemist, optician and dentist.

Project 2: adequate residential care facilities for elderly within Parish.

Section 5: traffic and transport

Project 1: tackling the speeding problem and alleviating accidents spots.

Project 2: to reduce impact of HGVs and traffic congestion throughout the Parish.

Project 3: improve and expand current ferry service.

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Steve Stroud

Penleath, Cliff Rise, Polruan by Fowey

Cornwall PL23 1QQ

Phone: 01726 870712 Mobile: 07810124137

E-mail: stevestroud2@yahoo.co.uk

Builder & Decorator

Ceramic Tiling - Plastering

Roofing & Stonework