Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Newquay
Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Probably 1897
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Probably 1897
A view of the site of the not yet built Headland Hotel, known as Fistral Meadow. There are several people, including a lady cyclist, probably after the riots of 31st August 1897. The proposed site of the hotel had previously been used as land on which farmers grazed livestock and local fishermen dried their nets. The proposals of architect, Silvanus Trevail, threatened to ruin their livelihoods. When building work commenced, outraged farmers and fishermen rushed to the site, where they tore down the wooden works office and valuable tools and planks of wood were hurled off the cliff onto the beach. Photographer: Unknown
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : NWQth.19
Media ID 19224783
© From the collection of the RIC
Beach Buildings Coast Coastal Coastline Head Hotels Resort Dispute Riot Towan
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> U
> Unknown photographer Unknown
> Europe
> France
> Canton
> Landes
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Newquay
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Related Images
> Royal Cornwall Museum
> Places
> Newquay
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of Towan Head, Fistral Meadow, Newquay, Cornwall. Taken around 1897, it showcases the site where the renowned Headland Hotel was yet to be built. In this image, we see a group of individuals gathered on what used to be common ground for farmers grazing their livestock and local fishermen drying their nets. The lady cyclist featured in the photograph is believed to have been captured shortly after the riots that occurred on August 31st, 1897. These riots were sparked by architect Silvanus Trevail's proposals for constructing the hotel on this very land. The livelihoods of farmers and fishermen were at stake as they feared their traditional way of life would be ruined. As construction work began on the proposed hotel site, enraged farmers and fishermen rushed to defend their interests. They vented their frustration by tearing down the wooden works office while hurling valuable tools and planks off cliffs onto Fistral Beach below. This powerful image serves as a reminder of an intense dispute between progress-driven development plans and those deeply rooted in tradition. It encapsulates both coastal beauty and human resilience against change. Photographer: Unknown
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.