A NUMBER of historical sites in the Post area took part in the 2019 Heritage Open Days event last month, opening their doors to the public for free.

Heritage Open Days is a national festival of history and culture taking place annually in September, which allows the public to take a look at the nation’s sites that are rich in heritage and history — for free.

This year, people were able to visit Cyprus Well and the Southgate Arch in Launceston, the Launceston Town Hall and Guildhall, the Vale of Avalon/Arthurian Centre near Camelford and the Tintagel Old Post Office.

Also taking part were St Andrew’s Church in Calstock, The College at Week St Mary and St Leonards Wastewater Treatment Works in Launceston.

Based at Slaughterbridge near Camelford, the Vale of Avalon/Arthurian Centre opened its doors from Saturday to Sunday, September 21 to 22, allowing people to explore the site of ‘Camlann’, where King Arthur’s last battle is believed to have taken place.

With 16 acres of woodland and riverside walks, a 6th century memorial to King Arthur himself, a 13th century village ruin, an 18th century garden plus a play area, licensed tea room and shop, people were really in for a treat, as site owner Joe Parsons explains: “The weekend went really well. Lots of local people popped in, which is the main reason we do it. Locals often don’t make time to visit what’s on their doorstep but a free day out helps!

“It is always beneficial to try and encourage more interest in local history and heritage. We also sign up to the Festival of British Archaeology each summer.”

The site was recently subject to a weekend of archaeological excavations as archaeologist Nick Hanks came to uncover more of the 18th century garden that was created by and once belonged to Lady Falmouth in the mid 1700s.

Also taking part this year were Launceston Town Council, opening up the town hall, built in 1886, and Guildhall, 1881, to the public. Featuring guided tours, tea with town crier Rob Tremain and the opportunity to visit parts of the building not usually open to the public, the open day allowed people — both local and visitors to the town — to explore the rich history of Launceston, which dates back to the medieval period.

Also in Launceston, the home of Cornish poet and writer Charles Causley was able to be explored on Saturday, September 21.

Cyprus Well, owned by the Charles Causley Trust, is a haven of creativity, with the trust’s aim being to enhance and promote creativity and giving writing a go.

Despite his fame and success in his work, Charles’ home was always in Launceston. Acknowledged as one of the ‘finest twentieth century English poets’, Charles was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal, the Ingersoll/TS Eliot Award and the Hon DLitt from the University of Exeter, as well as being made a CBE in 1986 and a Royal Society of Literature Companion of Literature in 2000.

Following his death in 2003, the Charles Causley Trust took over Cyprus Well in 2007 and continue to ensure the poet’s house is a centre to celebrate his life and work, as well as encouraging writing and literature in the local area, inviting a number of talented writers to take on a residency there to gain inspiration and produce new work.

Similarly on September 21, the Southgate Arch in Launceston was also opened to the public — the home of the Charles Causley Trust. The arch is the gateway to times past, being the only remaining medieval gateway of the three original gated entries into Launceston and also being a former prison, from 1381 to 1884.

Kate Campbell, director of the Charles Causley Trust, said: “Cyprus Well and Southgate Arch were open from 10am to 4pm and had a steady stream of visitors who were keen to see the house where Charles Causley wrote his poetry and the building where the debtors were kept but now houses the offices of the Charles Causley Trust.

“Tea and biscuits were served at Cyprus Well and local historian, Laurence Green, was on hand with anecdotes about Charles, about who he has written a biography.

“Both buildings are not usually open to the general public so it was a great opportunity for people to see behind the doors of these local heritage buildings.”

Also taking part in 2019’s Heritage Open Days was the Tintagel Old Post Office, run by the National Trust. Taking place between September 13 and 22, the site was offering vouchers for free entry to the house and garden.