Gorseth Kernow
1928-2002

74th Open Gorseth

A Short History of Pensilva

Pensilva sits in a very pretty valley with a rich farming, quarrying and geological history. Locally silver, lead, wolfram, copper, and arsenic were all mined.

Pensilva, originally called Bodmin Land, is part of St lve Parish. Historically, there is a royal connection: in 1150, King Stephen gave the manor of Trebeigh (Trebeighan), in the Parish of St lve, to the Knights Templar of St John. It had almost royal privileges, with its own court and prison.

Another religious order, The Knights Hospitaller, took ownership circa 1314. Dissolved by King Henry VIII circa 1534, the manor was restored by Queen Mary in 1557.

From this time until the 17th century, various gentry abided there, particularly The Wreys. Now the old mansion has been converted into a farmhouse; the estate, which measures 308 acres, is tithe free.

There is an old right of way from the manor to the church in St. lve, which is said to have been established by the Knights Templar of St John. (Lake's Parochial History of Cornwall.)

The famous benefactress Emily Hobhouse (1860-1926) hailed from Pensilva. This humble person of invincible faith travelled to London, Italy, America, India and South Africa, befriending many needy people. In India she founded spinning and weaving schools; in South Africa she commenced a fund for miners' families. Emily, whose mother was a Trelawney and whose father was an archdeacon, was a tireless worker. She successfully reformed against deprivation, poverty and hunger and was revered by many. Even today there are children in India and South Africa named Emily Hobhouse. For more information see the biography To Love One's Enemies by Jennifer Hobhouse Balme.