Cornish Ancestry

We love to welcome guests from around the world who are tracing their Cornish roots. Right in the heart of Cornwall, Cusgarne Manor is the perfect base for following in the footsteps of your ancestors and exploring the whole of the county.

We are in the parish of Gwennap which, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was referred to as ‘richest square mile to be found anywhere on the earth’ by virtue of the incredibly productive copper and tin mines just over the hill from the Manor.

3D animation showing recorded mine workings within the Camborne/Redruth/Gwennap Mining District.

Cusgarne Manor itself was occupied by mine-operating families for generations, our Harris and Simmons rooms being named after them. We also have a library in our snug with books on the history of the area. The stunning Ale and Cakes Mine engine house is only a 1-mile walk from our doorstep.

view of the Ale and Cakes mine engine house in Conrwall

Ale and Cakes tin mine. Photo: Tony Howell

We’re lucky to have a local historian, Dr Lesley Trotter, who is a professional researcher specialising in the history of mining families. You can contact her via her website and the Ask AGRA link is well worth a listen.

The Cornish records office, Kresen Kernow, is only 4 miles away in Redruth. It’s a beautiful, resored building to walk around and the library there is full of books on Cornwall. You can also pre-order historic documents online and they will retrieve them for your inspection.

If you’d like to visit where your ancestors lived you can take a bespoke local tour to give you a break from driving along our narrow country lanes. We recommend Louise at Experience Cornwall Tours who lives nearby and is very knowledgeable.

There are several places you can experience Cornish mining history including Poldark Mine, East Pool Mine, King Edward Mine and Geevor Tin Mine, and there are many walks where you can see engine houses such as Wheal Coates, Levant and Botallack.

‘Cousin Jack’ by Show of Hands. A well-known song about Cornish miners who moved abroad.

‘Cornwall my home’ sung by Fisherman’s Friends. A modern-day Cornish anthem.

  • "The included breakfast featuring local products was absolutely delicious & a great start to each day's touring."

    Mary Ann, Hawaii.

  • "This is exceptional accommodation and I recommend staying here if you are planning a visit to Cornwall."

    Nerilee, Western Australia.

  • "Comfortable beds. Helpful host."

    Helen, New Zealand.

  • "It’s history … it was built in 1629 and has been beautifully restored to its former splendor! …As history lovers we were enthralled with the property and enjoyed every minute we were there!"

    James, California.

  • "The breakfast was outstanding, the room was cozy and bathroom amazing. Lovely location in the centre of Cornwall to explore both sides of the coast."

    Beryl, South Africa.