Way Back When – History of Porthleven

A look back at life on the coast in days gone by.

Recently, we were lucky enough to be handed a copy of Porthleven, a comprehensive history. Written by Tony Treglown – in his own words, a  proud Porthlevener – this book has something of interest to anyone who has a love for this charming, quintessentially Cornish fishing port.

From shipwrecks of centuries gone by to sea rescue training in the mid 1900s and everything in between, this fascinating volume displays a detailed history of the port, from the 1700s right the way through to present day.

Sadly, Tony passed away just after the book was published, but he was thankfully able to see it in print. Special credit goes to Tony’s wife, Hazel, for typing, scanning and laying out the pages, and Rod Stephens of www.porthlevenmuseum.org.uk, who played a key part in collecting the book’s beautiful vintage imagery. Porthleven’s own Carla Regler provided the stunning cover image for the book, which you’ll find copies of in her gallery on Chapel Terrace, as well as in Albatross Gallery on the harbourside.

We love to see vintage photography of Cornwall, so here are some of our favourites from Rod’s collection, as featured in the book. You’ll find plenty more in the Porthleven Historic Photographic Collection, which Rod has lovingly displayed on the walls at Out of the Blue free house, Porthleven.