Cornwall enjoys an abundance of heritage: from Iron Age hill forts to Cornwall’s world-renowned mining industry; and to traditional festivals and events such as Obby Oss and Flora Day – heritage plays a key role in Cornish life.
Cornwall Heritage Trust (CHT) is a charity with the objective of preserving and strengthening Cornwall’s unique and distinctive heritage. The Trust owns some of the most iconic sites in Cornwall, namely Treffry Viaduct, Castle an Dinas, Sancreed Beacon, Trevanion Culverhouse, and the field in which Trethevy Quoit stands. It also manages sites, such as Carn Euny Iron Age village, on behalf of English Heritage; these are all free to access sites. CHT members also receive free entry into the English Heritage sites in Cornwall, which include Tintagel and Pendennis Castle.
Through the growing programme of educational activities and resources, together with the very popular Story Cafes, CHT aims to promote a greater appreciation of Cornwall’s unique heritage and encourage future generations to be proud of and value their heritage. There are a number of heritage organisations in Cornwall, all of whom work tirelessly for the cause, and more details can be found in the CHT directory.
CHT grant schemes support a variety of projects and include research bursaries, schools transport grants and support for local organisations to run projects which encourage communities to engage with Cornwall’s heritage whether this is through renovations, diversification, publications, interpretation schemes or even performance.
Finally, the Trust works to promote Cornwall’s heritage through a programme of events and activities within the community engagement strand, inspiring Cornish communities to engage with and learn more about Cornwall’s heritage and subsequently help care for it. Ultimately, “Cornwall’s heritage for one and all”.
To find out more about Cornwall’s heritage and Cornwall Heritage Trust visit www.cornwallheritagetrust.org