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The Riots Group Committee, Newquay, Cornwall. 1897
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The Riots Group Committee, Newquay, Cornwall. 1897
A photograph of the Riot Committee set up to object to the building of the Headland Hotel on the site known as Fistral Meadow, taken around the time of the riots on 31st August 1897. The proposed site of the hotel had previously been used as land on which farmers grazed livestock and local fishermen dried their nets. The proposals of architect, Silvanus Trevail, threatened to ruin their livelihoods. When building work commenced, outraged farmers and fishermen rushed to the site, where they tore down the wooden works office and valuable tools and planks of wood were hurled off the cliff onto the beach. Photographer: Unknown
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : NWQth.20
Media ID 19790314
© From the collection of the RIC
Beach Buildings Coast Coastal Coastline Crowd Head Hotels Resort Dispute Riot Towan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of Newquay, Cornwall. Taken in 1897, it showcases "The Riots Group Committee" formed to protest against the construction of the Headland Hotel on Fistral Meadow. The site had long served as grazing land for farmers and a drying area for local fishermen's nets, making it an essential part of their livelihoods. Architect Silvanus Trevail's proposed hotel threatened to disrupt this common ground, leading to outrage among the farming and fishing communities. As tensions escalated, farmers and fishermen rushed to the site when building work commenced on August 31st. Fueled by anger and desperation, they tore down the wooden works office while hurling valuable tools and planks off the cliff onto the beach below. In this photograph captured by an unknown photographer, we witness a crowd of determined men standing united against what they perceived as an assault on their way of life. Their faces reveal both defiance and concern as they gather together under Towan Head overlooking Cornish Bay. This image serves as a reminder of how disputes over coastal development can ignite strong emotions within a community deeply connected to its surroundings. It symbolizes resilience in defending one's heritage against encroaching modernization. Today, Newquay stands as a renowned resort town with numerous hotels dotting its coastline but owes part of its identity to those who fought passionately for their rights over a century ago at Fistral Meadow.
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