The Old Quay

I have been fascinated by the history of Newlyn harbour (reading a book about it of course!). Until the 1880s the only harbour was this old quay - a small curving structure topped with a parapet wall and constructed of massive granite blocks without mortar. It dates from around the 1400s. Situated on the western curve of Mount’s Bay, and protected from prevailing winds by an arc of cliffs, the Old Quay was an important haven for the local fishing fleet. At the time Newlyn was just a tiny fishing village at the top of the cliffs. 

This morning we walked up the road to the top of the cliffs and reached the slipway to the Old Quay. This is in the first extra. The white building to the left of the photo is the Fishermen’s Rest, which is a building linked to the Church, and used to provide respite for fishermen. When we first came to Newlyn it was empty and obviously not used, but recently it has been renovated and is now run as a community café. We stopped here for bacon sandwich/toastie - a great, friendly place. (ValC was here last year - a bit better weather then!)

By the 1800s the Old Quay was proving inadequate, there were several instances of vessels, unable to fit in the harbour and anchored outside, being destroyed by storms. Plans for a new harbour were submitted on more than one occasion but, each time, Penzance objected and nothing happened. Finally, after more distressing events, plans for a new pier were approved and work began on South Pier in 1883.


A showery morning, but a sunny afternoon. Gordon seems to be watching Rugby, I am off down to the sea.