A Tale of Two Histories

The Story of Emily at St Ive near Liskeard ranks among the finest family visitor experiences in Cornwall and throughout the country.

For sheer innovation, originality and illumination into the life of an extraordinary woman, as well as an exposé of one of the darker sides of British history, The Story of Emily is a remarkable achievement. Although rightly venerated, in South Africa where she made her most enduring mark, her story is little known in this country. It has taken vision and determination to bring it to life in the place where she spent her formative years.

On the day that we made the trip, hosts Clare and Hannah were on hand to greet us in the bright and newly built reception area. Here, we were given clear instructions on what our pre-booked visit would entail: a short introductory video in a small purpose-built auditorium, followed by a walk to the completely renovated Rectory and the newly constructed War Rooms.

The Rectory, where Emily was born in 1860, has been painstakingly restored to how it would have appeared to the Hobhouses in 1875. Headsets are donned so that an audible commentary can illuminate their story as we pass through, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen and eventually to the bedrooms, servant rooms, and dress-up studio upstairs.Two weeks after her father’s death, she packed her suitcases and left St Ive, eager to step out from the confines of this sheltered existence. She never returned to the village. She was 34 years old.

It is the contrast of her upbringing to what followed that adds a certain piquancy to her tale, one that finds form in the War Rooms – the second part of the Story. From a world of genteel sobriety at the Rectory to the horrors being perpetrated in the Transvaal and Orange Free State at the end of the 19th century, it is here the visitor is left in no doubt as to the humanity and determination of this remarkable woman. This is  a unique, immersive and historical experience that will leave visitors awestruck – by both Emily’s bravery and the advanced technological experience itself. It offers a narrative to the second part of her life and sheds light on to why she is so highly regarded in South Africa and yet just a footnote in British history.

To round off our truly memorable visit we decamped to the restaurant – also a very different experience in itself. Here you can dine from a  menu of 19th century South African heritage recipes whilst looking out through the colossal glass frontage to the Victorian inspired kitchen garden beyond. 

The Story of Emily is definately a visit worth embarking upon – it will inspire.

THE STORY OF EMILY
St Ive, Liskeard PL14 3LX
thestoryofemily.com
hello@thestoryofemily.com