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The beautiful port of Charlestown has been attracting thousands
of visitors for many years.
The
Shipwreck and Heritage Centre stands above the old harbour and houses
many artefacts ranging from the Titanic to diving equipment.
"I
used to work in London, when I came to Charlestown I could not believe
somewhere like this existed," says David Ettritch, the curator
of the centre. "To me, this village is perfect. Outside you
have the harbour and the lovely tall ships. Inside the museum there
is the largest collection of shipwreck aretfacts there is in europe."
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| A
scene of Charles Rashleigh who built up Charlestown. |
The
harbour has attracted many film-makers since its exporting business
started to decline.
"We
have had the Three Musketeers, Moll Flanders, and many more filmed
in Charlestown," explains David."It is a genuine port
built around 1791. The harbour hasn't changed much. The houses are
still as they were when they were originally built. There is very
little cost to the film-makers as they don't have to make many changes.
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| The
Earl Of Pembroke is being used in the Hornblower series. |
When
you walk up to the heritage centre you are welcomed by an old rogue
who has been greeting visitors for more than 20 years. Peg Leg Pascoe
is a pirate who is permanently in the jail at Charlestown.
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| Old
Peg Leg welcomes visitors from his jail in Charlestown. |
"Old
Peg Leg has become a popular fixture at the centre," smiles
David. "We have parents coming to us saying they remembered
the pirate when they were children!"
The
Heritage centre houses thousands of artefacts. The Titanic section
is proving very popular as this year marks the 90th anniversary
of its sinking.
"There
is always a great fascination with the Titanic," says David.
"We have had many people visit us who said they had relatives
who died on the ship."
For
children many of the exhibitions have moving models. A new addition
is the super cruisers, these are model boats for children to move
around the water. Adults find these appealing too!
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| Children
can steer a static ship in the Heritage Centre. |
"We
have so many artefacts we could do with more room," laughs
David. "We are like a gallon poured into a pint pot."
David
recommends you allow an hour and a half to look around. If you are
really interested in diving and shipwrecks you could easily spend
all day there.
DIRECTIONS
From St Austell, take the A3061 into Charlestown. The Shipwreck
& Heritage Centre is on the left of the Harbour.
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