Historic plaque scheme launched to mark overlooked figures of Cornish history

The scheme has been launched by the Cornish Heritage Trust, Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 4th Jun 2023
Last updated 15th Jun 2024

A brand new scheme, shining a light on some of Cornwall’s overlooked historical figures has been launched.

It’s called Pobel a Gernow - ‘People of Cornwall’ - with the scheme hoping to commemorate the achievements of those who’ve made an impact on their communities, extending on the work conducted by numerous town plaque schemes across the county.

The scheme will see special plaques installed on buildings important to these people's storie, thanks to the partnership work of the Cornwall Heritage Trust, Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies.

Nev Meek, President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies said: “Many of the people who have made fantastic contributions to Cornwall, have largely gone unrecognised. This scheme is so important because it will allow communities to really engage with their heritage and celebrate their heroes. We look forward to many new stories emerging of great Cornish endeavour.”

Pol Hodge, Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow said: “Poblow a Gernow is the real story of the people of Cornwall told by the people of Cornwall.”

Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust said: “There has been so much great work done by existing town plaques schemes across Cornwall and we’re incredibly excited to be able to build on that. There are so many people who have made truly unique contributions to Cornwall’s history.

"These people haven’t just impacted our culture and heritage, all too often they’ve made Cornwall world-leading and their stories need to be told. Their achievements shouldn’t be footnotes in history books, they need to be sung from the rooftops and we want this scheme to be the start of making that happen.”

Nominations for the Pobel a Gernow scheme can be submitted here.

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.