Description - Cotehele, Cornwall by Rachel Hunt
Built on ancient foundations are Cotehele House, Quay, Mill and the iconic Chapel-in-the-Wood where Richard Edgcumbe gave thanks for his escape after his part in a failed rebellion against Richard III. River and people alike have indelibly made their mark here on the Devonian-Cornish border and this guidebook serves to illustrate some of the complex building history of the house as well as reveal something of the characters who called Cotehele home.
Cotehele is a Tudor house with all the stories and legends you would expect of a building steeped in such a lengthy history. Draped with tapestries, adorned with textiles, bristling with arms and armour, the table set with pewter, creaking oak staircasesâ¦to visit to Cotehele is to take a walk through history, following in royal footsteps no less, from the Tudors to the present day.
Outside you can explore the formally planted terraces or lose yourself in the Valley Garden which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote. You can enjoy the tranquility of the Upper Garden or visit the two orchards planted with local apples and cherries, fruitful testimony to the eff orts made in recent years to revive something of the fruit-growing tradition that the Tamar Valley was once renowned for.
Cotehele Quay is the home of the restored sailing barge Shamrock and gateway to the wider estate. The Discovery Centre tells the story of the Tamar Valley and down at the Mill are workshops demonstrating traditional skills and trades, a reminder of the industry that one thrived in the Tamar Valley.
An illustrated family tree guides the reader through six centuries of Edgcumbes. A full-colour birdâs-eye view shows the extent of the riverside estate. Reconstruction drawings help to unravel some complex building history of Cotehele House. Tint boxes highlight items from the collection, and ânature notesâ focus on some of Coteheleâs fl ora and fauna and country lore.
Rachel Hunt has worked at Cotehele as House and Collections Manager since 2001. She has a Masterâs Degree in Museum Studies and hopes, when time allows, to further research the culture of re-use and re-invention in historic buildings great and small.
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