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Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Probably 1897
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Probably 1897
A view of the site of the not yet built Headland Hotel, known as Fistral Meadow. There are several people, including a lady cyclist, probably after the riots of 31st August 1897. The proposed site of the hotel had previously been used as land on which farmers grazed livestock and local fishermen dried their nets. The proposals of architect, Silvanus Trevail, threatened to ruin their livelihoods. When building work commenced, outraged farmers and fishermen rushed to the site, where they tore down the wooden works office and valuable tools and planks of wood were hurled off the cliff onto the beach. Photographer: Unknown
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TRURI : NWQth.19
Media ID 19224783
© From the collection of the RIC
Beach Buildings Coast Coastal Coastline Head Hotels Resort Dispute Riot Towan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Taken around 1897, it showcases the site where the renowned Headland Hotel was yet to be built. In this image, we see a group of individuals gathered on what used to be common ground for farmers grazing their livestock and local fishermen drying their nets. The lady cyclist featured in the photograph is believed to have been captured shortly after the riots that occurred on August 31st, 1897. These riots were sparked by architect Silvanus Trevail's proposals for constructing the hotel on this very land. The livelihoods of farmers and fishermen were at stake as they feared their traditional way of life would be ruined. As construction work began on the proposed hotel site, enraged farmers and fishermen rushed to defend their interests. They vented their frustration by tearing down the wooden works office while hurling valuable tools and planks off cliffs onto Fistral Beach below. This powerful image serves as a reminder of an intense dispute between progress-driven development plans and those deeply rooted in tradition. It encapsulates both coastal beauty and human resilience against change. Photographer: Unknown
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