Hammers of Towan: A Nineteenth-Century Cornish Family

The Hammers of Towan: A Nineteenth-Century Cornish Family is a book that tells the story of a 19th-century Cornish farmer and his family, who lived and worked at Towan Farm near St. Austell. The family took part in local festivals and traditions, and the story is set against the backdrop of Cornwalls mining industry, which was in decline. All nine of the Philip Henry and Jane's children left Cornwall in search of work, making new lives for themselves and their families in London, Wales, South Africa, and Australia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2021
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The Hammers of Towan: A Nineteenth-Century Cornish Family delves into the captivating life of the author's great-grandfather, Philip Henry Hammer, his three wives, and his children born from his first wife, Jane Opie. The book transports readers to a bygone era—the life and times of a 19th-century Cornish farmer, the tenant of Towan Farm, nestled near St. Austell. Within the confines of the grand granite-floored farmhouse kitchen, Jane, a skilled cook, prepared traditional Cornish cuisine using age-old recipes, many of which are featured in the book. Managing Towan as a profitable enterprise was a challenging task, but throughout the year, the family actively participated in the numerous local festivals and traditions, offering a delightful opportunity to celebrate the changing seasons. The family's story unfolds against the backdrop of Cornwall's mining industry, once thriving but now in decline. As the local economy struggled, the migration of Cornish men and women in search of employment increased, resulting in all nine of Philip Henry and Jane's children leaving Cornwall in pursuit of new opportunities. They settled in various locations, including London, Wales, South Africa, and Australia, and some eventually returned to Cornwall, no matter how long they had been away. Their ties to Towan remained strong, as they always made a point to visit the place that held a special place in their hearts.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800463202