British Army Captain Ross Poldark, hero of Winston Graham’s novels, is an 18th century adventurer who returns to Cornwall after fighting in the American Revolutionary War. When the producers of the new BBC series of Poldark were looking for suitable locations to film Ross’s return to his homeland, they were able to use Charlestown – a harbour virtually unchanged since its development by local landowner Charles Rashleigh (hence the name) during the Georgian period for the export of copper and china clay from the Westcountry around the world.
In the early 1800s, the port would be bustling with ships arriving and departing and all the businesses associated with the trade – boatbuilding, rope-making and victuallers. Many of the Georgian houses which were built at the time have been well preserved and the harbour is still home to a fleet of period square rigger ships.
We love...
Walking along the quayside and imagining what it would have been like for an Army captain like Ross Poldark to return home to Cornwall after so many years away.
Don't miss...
The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre in Charlestown is a timely reminder of the dangers of the sea with lots of fascinating finds.