Page under construction. We are developing this page as a resource to bring together information about the historical heritage of The Lizard. Keep visiting to find out what we’ve added, and in the meantime we hope you can enjoy the resources and articles already included.
Wild it may be, but the landscape of The Lizard has been shaped by people, and they have left traces of their passing that can still be seen today. You can explore a remote and atmospheric Neolithic village near Kynance or delight in the wide view of heathland from the roof of a Second World War radar station. There are ancient field boundaries alongside present-day sustainable farming and grazing practices, revealing a continuity from past to present and into the future.
It is important to care for this history – it’s a key part of what makes The Lizard so special – and the partners of Linking the Lizard run several projects, past and current, involving their staff and volunteers. Explore this page to find out about the latest initiatives, places full of history to visit, and some background to the unique heritage of The Lizard.
Current and recent projects
Goonhilly barrows
Cornwall National Landscape recently carried out conservation work at the Goonhilly Barrows Cemetery as part of their Monumental Improvement Programme. Find out more about this historic site.
Exciting archaeological discovery
Find out about the historic bones and teeth discovered at Lizard Point earlier this year by a young visitor.
Boundary hedges
Many boundary hedges on The Lizard have followed the same pattern for centuries. Find out about the restoration of some of the hedge boundaries at Teneriffe Farm a few years ago.
History to visit
Kennack Sands
This popular beach isn’t just about sands and surfing! There’s a lot of history to explore as well, from shipwrecks to fishing to buildings of the Second World War.
Poltesco
Discover mediaeval mills, a water wheel and a Victorian stoneware factory on this walk at Poltesco, and find the pebbly beach at Carleon Cove..
Windmill Farm
Known for its wildlife and flora, Windmill Farm has an actual seventeenth century windmill, as well as some World War Two buildings associated with nearby RAF Predannack.
Background
Landscape history
This article introduces the rich history and archaeology of The Lizard’s moors and downs.
Soaprock and porcelain
The serpentine industry on The Lizard is perhaps more famous, but soaprock was also important economically in the eighteenth century.