The History Of Sennen & Its Development As A Holiday Destination

Taking A Visit To The Ancient County Of Cornwall

What goes through your mind when you think about Cornwall? Is it ancient history, one part magic, one part fact? Stories of Camelot or Tintagel, where Merlin performed his magic, and King Arthur was born. Then again, you might be thinking of skulduggery in the 17th and 18th centuries. An era infamous for its smugglers and pirates. A time when the quantities of illicit spirits coming into Cornwall were a lot more than landed at London Docks! 

 

However, it may be the captivating beauty of the region, combined with its dramatic and awe-inspiring coastline, that catches your imagination. The opportunities for adventure on sea and land are impressive. If you want to absorb nature in a quieter, gentler way, Cornwall has plenty of space to do that. Visiting Vellandreath Cottages in Sennen is a great way to have adventures and relax, all with a huge Cornish welcome.

 

Sennen Cove - History, Beauty & Adventure. All In One Place

 

One mile from Lands End is the lovely village of Sennen. Being so close to Lands End, Sennen has undoubtedly brought visitors to the area, but Sennen has its own historical stories and attractions. Let’s take a look at what makes Sennen so intriguing and exciting.

 

A Trip Back In Time - But You Can Visit Now

 

A Right Royal Mixup

The villagers of Sennen, mainly fisherfolk, got caught up in Royal problems in 1497. Perkin Warbeck—claiming to be one of the lost Princes of the Tower—landed in Sennen Cove. Perkin persuaded local fishermen to join him against King Henry V11. They fought at Exeter and then seized St. Michaels Mount. Eventually captured, he was found to be lying, imprisoned then executed. The fishermen got off lightly. They were fined and sent home.

 

The First & Last Inn

This popular 17th-century Inn has a colourful history, especially with the smuggling and wrecking rife in the area. Owned by Dionysius Williams, the Inn was the centre for contraband. The Inn was leased to Annie and Joseph George, who tried to blackmail Dionysius and not pay rent. He kicked them, and Annie reported their illegal operations to the Custom & Excise men. Dionysius was tried and given a long-term jail sentence. The villagers of Sennen were not happy with Annie, who they buried in nets and staked out on the beach to drown. 

 

Maen Castle

Found about halfway between Sennen and Lands End—a comfortable walk on the Coastal path—is one of two ancient Cliff Castles in Cornwall. Excavations of Maen Castle indicate that the castle was erected in the early Iron Age—around 250 BC—finding 300+ shards of iron-age pottery. However, signs indicate the site was in use during the Bronze Age. 

 

St. Sennen Parish Church

The parish church stands next to the First and Last Inn in England, which shares its car park with the church. Although some suspect the village name comes from Sen-nan, meaning Holy Valley. 

 

The parish church is dedicated to Saint Sennen. The Irish, Saint Sennen, is said to have landed in Sennen in AD 520, probably on his way to. Built in the 13th century, the nave, north transept and chancel date remain the same. The tower was added in the 14th century and the south aisle in the 15th. 

 

The church’s roof, pews and windows were replaced in the 19th century. If you wander outside, you will see several blocked windows and a blocked Devil’s door. This was always left open for the devil to leave by at a christening - now he has no escape! You can also see a weathered Celtic cross, one of five initially said to be there.

 

Whitesands Bay - For Surfers, Swimmers & Sun Bathing

A short amble from the Vellandreath Cottages is the long sandy beach of Whitesands Bay, also known as Sennen Cove. At low tide, wander about a mile along the white sand to Gwenver beach. At the beach’s southern end is the peninsula known as the Pedn-men-du protecting the cove from the westerly Atlantic gales. Pedn-men-du also attracts those who like to climb or explore sea caves.

 

However, the wind in the right direction brings in rolling surf that has attracted surfers from around the world. The lifeguards at the beach place flags—following the tides—to show areas for swimming and the great variety of watersports at Sennen Cove to try.

 

Another plus for this area is that Gwenver is a dog-friendly beach with no restrictions - although please note there are some restrictions to Sennen Cove Beach. 

 

Canine Lifeguard

Sennen Cove Lifeboat was established in 1853 and manned by volunteers. It has saved many lives. Next door to the lifeboat house is the restored Roundhouse. Once housing the winch for the lifeboat, it is now an art gallery and souvenir shop with a large collection of paintings by local artists.

 

However, one of Sennen Cove’s most famous lifeguards was a Newfoundland named Bilbao, who worked at the beach from 2005 to 2008. He was retired due to the restrictions of dogs on the beach from May to October and despite many local petitions. Bilboa passed away in 2015. Sennen beach has manned lifeguards from Easter until the end of October. 

 

Sennen Cove Inspirations

Sennen Cove has inspired the 2005 book Shanti, The Wandering Dog of Sennen & The Land’s End. A children’s book by Janeta Hevizi, Author, and Joe Holland, Illustrator.

 

Another popular children’s book by Charlie Rose Elliott Peake is the story of mermaids and sea safety, called Alfie The MerCat of Sennen Cove.

 

Now if you look hard enough and believe strongly enough, the tales of how mermaids in Sennen Cove enchant men to draw them out to sea may be true. But there, again, it is much more likely to be dolphins who frequent the area. The area also had its own sea spirit known as Sennen Whopper. The Whopper would predict storms and warn fishermen not to go to sea. Two fishermen ignored the warnings one night and disappeared, as did the Whopper!  

 

One of the enduring myths of the area is the Lost land of Lyonesse, thought to be under the waters between Sennen and the Isles of Scilly. This Celtic myth involves Arthurian legend and the tale of Tristan and Isolda, Lyonesse being Tristan’s home.

 

There is something for everyone at Sennen Cove and Vellandreath Cottages, both historical and modern, for you to discover and enjoy.

Late availability offers

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