Summary
A rocky projection at the head of Lansallos Cove has a revetment on its W side and also a path cut into the rock. On the tip of the rock is a flat irregular area which may have once served as a platform for a building.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- BUILDING PLATFORM (Undated)
Description
The stream falls 4.5-6 metres to the beach, and a space at this point seems to indicate man-made excavation of the cliff. A length of walling made of beach stones supports one side of the area. The walling may have been constructed to support a path to a net store on top of the rock outcrop above the highest tide - and boats may have been pulled up at the head of the beach. The track from Lansallos to the beach is deeply cut through the slate for the last four metres of its descent, and wheel ruts have been worn in the slate (41ft. Apart). This
considerable effort in constructing such a trackway suggests the passage of heavy and frequent traffic, such as might be generated by the existence here of a mill, or by the need to secure access for the carts to the beach to collect sand and seaweed to be used as fertiliser for the neighbouring farms (National Trust 1986).
A rocky projection at the head of Lansallos Cove has a revetment on its W side and also a path cut into the rock. On the tip of the rock is a flat irregular area which may have once served as a platform for a building. As there is a good view over the cove from the rock it is conceivable that this might have once served some defensive purpose (anti-smuggling perhaps?).
A stream running down the valley from Combe ends up at the beach by tumbling over a waterfall close to the rock feature. It was suggested in the Trust’s 1980s Archaeological Survey (following local tradition) that there was once a water mill here, that existed until the early/middle years of the 20th century. This is extremely doubtful; any mill built here would have been periodically battered by high tides. Furthermore, historic maps do not show any structures here (Tithe Map 1840; OS 1881, 1907).
(2001)
References
- SNA64398 - National Trust Report: CAU for NT. 2001. Gribbin Head to Lansallos, Cornwall, an Archaeological Assessment. 2001R023.
- SZC6088 - Unpublished document: National Trust. 1986. The National Trust Historical and Archaeological Landscape Survey of Fowey Properties.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Heritage Coast
Associated Events
- ENA5989 - Field Survey, Archaeological Assessment of Gribbin Head to Lansallos, Fowey (Ref: 2001R023)
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded