Until boundary changes in 1844, Kingsand was in Devon; however, Cawsand has always been in Cornwall. On the old county boundary between the two villages, the house Devon Corn still displays the boundary marker.[2]
History
The villages are known for their smuggling and fishing past. Although the known smuggling tunnels have been sealed up[citation needed], there are still old fish cellars and boat stores along the coast.
One notable former resident was John Pollard RN, a midshipman (later a Commander) who served in the Navy under Horatio Nelson. He is credited with being ‘Nelson's avenger’, since it was he who shot the French sailor who killed the Admiral.[3]
Kingsand is connected via the Rame bus link to Plymouth. The Rame bus link runs between Cremyll and goes to Plymouth via Torpoint. During the summer, the Cawsand Ferry runs a passenger service between Cawsand Beach and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth for visitors to the Barbican. Walkers can reach the village through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.
Local landmarks
The Clock Tower and Institute
Kingsand-Cawsand village.
A key feature of the village is the clock tower and Institute along the seafront. It was erected in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V.[7][8] The institute is used as a community hall. It contains a large cross-stitch tapestry picture of the two villages which was made by residents to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.[citation needed] The building sustained substantial storm damage in February 2014 and has since been restored.[9][10]
Church
The former St Paul's Church was opened in 1882 as a chapel of ease to the Church of St Mary and St Julian. It is now the Maker-with-Rame Community Hall.
Beaches
Kingsand Beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, which is located along The Cleave.[11] Girt Beach is mainly shingle, but with some sand and can be found along Market Street.[12] Sandways lies a short walk out of the village, across the rocks towards Fort Picklecombe.[13]
The water quality has improved over recent years thanks to extensive sewerage works, and so all beaches are safe for swimming.[14]
Culture and community
The Black Prince Flower Boat Procession. The procession is seen here gathering outside the Rising Sun pub in Kingsand.
The Black Prince Procession is a Mayday custom in the villages of Kingsand, Cawsand and Millbrook. The procession, where a flower-adorned boat is carried on the shoulders, begins in Millbrook and carries on through Kingsand and Cawsand to banish the harsh conditions of winter and welcome warmer summer weather and a fruitful land and sea harvest. Additional activities include the decoration of buildings, Morris dance and maypole dance, a fete and a town crier competition.[15] Black Prince refers to Edward the Black Prince (1330-1376), the first Duke of Cornwall.
