Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing

A small Museum located right on the harbourside of the beautiful fishing village of Polperro. The Museum contains a fascinating insight into the history of fishing and smuggling from the late 18th Century to date. It houses a remarkable photographic record dating from around 1860.

The collection is complemented by a wonderful collection of ships models. Family history is also well catered for with records available for viewing. The collection is housed in what was the old pilchard factory until the early 20th century.

Smuggling

Contraband goods were smuggled across from Guernsey on a huge scale during the latter half of the 18th century, the Polperro boats often risking seizure by Revenue vessels patyrolling the Channel.

Of the many Polperro vessels involved in smuggling at the end of the 18th century, theLottery was the most infamous. The story of the Lottery's involvement in the murder of a Customs officer in 1798 which led to the trial and execution of one of her crew in 1801 is graphically told (left).

Another Lottery crewman, Robert Mark, was later killed at sea by a cannon ball from a Revenue vessel. His inscription can be seen in nearby Talland church where he lies buried, and his cutlass (inscribed and dated 1789) is also on display in the Museum.

Polperro Knitfrocks

The name given to the guernsey sweaters knitted in one of the traditional patterns used by Polperro families. The name 'guernsey' reflects the close links with the Channel Island. Distinctive patterns used by Polperro fishermen's wives can be seen in several of Lewis Harding's early portraits. Mary Harding's book Cornish Guernseys & Knitfrocks contains many delightful photographs and detailed instructions on how to knit a Cornish guernsey.