Two Australian women will be looking to retrace their Cornish ancestry with a visit to the site of Cornwall’s worst mining disaster and a few smugglers’ pubs. Sharon Allen and Gloria Sammut will fly over from Down Under next month to see for themselves where their common ancestor lived and find out more about why they emigrated to Australia.
The two friends, who discovered a common ancestor through their own genealogical research, discovered that they are both related to the Pollard family of St Newlyn East where their great-great-grandmother Jane, her father Christopher and her brother James all worked in the East Wheal Rose mine.
In 1846, 38 men and boys lost their lives when the mine flooded. Sharon said that it was the tragedy, in which her great-great-grandmother’s brother died which prompted the whole Pollard clan to uproot and seek a new future on the other side of the world. In the 1840s, East Wheal Rose, was said to be the most productive mine in the country, at one time it accounted for around 80 percent of the county’s recorded output in 1845, employing over 1,200 men, women and children.
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On the July 9, 1846 at 1pm, a violent thunderstorm occurred over St Newlyn East, which is located between Truro and Newquay, unleashing torrential rain upon the surrounding hills. The deluge of water pouring into the valley, rapidly flooded the mine resulting in a total of 38 miners losing their lives, at East Wheal Rose, many were drowned in the deep levels or crushed by falling debris.
Sharon, from Nairne, in the Adelaide Hills, about one hour east of Adelaide, said: “I read somewhere that the tragedy of James’ death may have been the catalyst for the large Pollard family leaving Cornwall for South Australia. If they hadn’t, Gloria and I may not be here.
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“My grandma Irene Colwell (nee Gitsham who was from Devon), was the family historian many years ago before the internet was even a thing. She went down to the state library in the city and researched books and used microfiche, handwriting all her notes, and eventually writing a historical piece that is now available on Genealogy South Australia.
“I was told as a child we came from Cornish smugglers, and took little notice of that somewhat wild story. On Grandma’s death, I was made the “custodian” of all the research, photographs and memorabilia which is a privilege I do not take for granted.”
She added: “As the historian of the family, I initially focused on the Colwell line and was told this surname was indeed Cornish. My research then took me to the name Pollard and going through the photos, there was a photo of Jane Pollard (1826-1882). I felt an instant connection to Jane, and once I started researching her story, our connection made sense.”
At the time of Cornwall’s worst mining disaster, now remembered through a fitting memorial tribute sculpture, Jane Pollard was a leader in the sorting room, while Christopher and James worked down below.
Sharon, a counsellor and therapist, added: “Jane was a woman of great faith and held prayer meetings with the bal-maidens. Her kindness and compassion took her to visit anyone in the local area who was unwell or struggling and Jane also spent some time with Billy Bray and his evangelists, participating in local prayer meetings.
“Her altruism, care for people and strong Christian faith resonated with me. I also knew that one day I would walk where Jane walked, although I believe it’s eight miles from her home to the mine, so maybe not that far.”
Sharon and Gloria, who lives in Whyalla, a large regional centre about five hours North of Adelaide, are looking to fly into London on July 24 before taking the train down to Bodmin a couple of days later. They will then drive to Boscastle for a three night stay before heading down west to Penzance and West Cornwall for four nights before heading into Devon for more genealogical research.
Gloria added: “We are keen to see the location of the East Wheal Rose Mine, where Jane, her father Christopher and brother James worked together. I believe there are no remnants of the mine, but even to stand in that space will be life changing.”
Sharon said her research into the family’s history also led her to come across another Christopher Pollard (1771-1841), from Sancreed, who was Jane’s great uncle, and turned out to be the notorious smuggler she had heard about as a child.
She added: “It seems that he was quite infamous, getting caught by the authorities, fleeing to Guernsey during the Napoleonic War, then returning to Cornwall during the amnesty. His good habits didn’t last long and he began smuggling again. We understand Christopher has a connection to the First and Last Inn in Sennen which will be a definite must see visit for Gloria and I.
“We cannot wait to visit. Apart from the First and Last Inn, I want to visit the mine site where our Pollards spent so many hours, being mindful that the mine is no longer, but to stand in that space would be amazing. I am yet to find a burial place for James, however a visit to the memorial will be a poignant reminder of James’ passing, the impact on his family, and gratitude for us being able to visit in 2023. Visits to the villages where Jane was born, where the family lived and the parish they may have worshipped in, are definitely on our to visit list.
“It is still surreal that we will be in Cornwall late next month. I am told I will return to South Australia as a changed person.”
Barry West, a Cornish historian who wrote a book on the East Wheal Rose Mining Disaster, was contacted by Sharon at a time he was researching the subject matter.
Sharon added: “Somehow, I found Barry on Facebook at the time he was researching his book about the mine disaster of 1846. He reached out and asked for any information from people whose ancestor had a connection to the tragedy. Upon looking further into my research, I discovered James Pollard, older brother of Jane and our 2x great uncle, perished in the disaster.
“Although my information was scant, I sent it to Barry and requested he send me the book when finished. That Barry did, and would not accept payment for the international postage charges. We agreed I would pay him in cash when I visit; I never thought I would.
“Barry has been our virtual tour guide, helping us with accommodation suggestions, where to get the best hire car, and places we should have on our list to visit. The highlight was when Barry said he would meet us during our journey and we have promised him a decadent meal at a pub of his choice. It is unknown where James Pollard was laid to rest after the mine tragedy, however, Barry will show us the memorial, so we can remember our ancestor, with fondness, taken way too soon.”
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