In June, we welcomed three students – Emily Bowyer-Kazadi, Maddie Thomson, and Trin Gleason – from the University of Liverpool through an employability placement through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. During their two-week placement, each student wrote a blog post related to Cornish history.

Stone Circles and their Legends

Emily Bowyer-Kazadi explores the significance of prehistoric stone circles, focusing on the West Penwith area of Cornwall and the legends of the Merry Maidens and the Nine Ladies Stone Circles. Bowyer-Kazadi also highlights the modern relevance of stone circles as cultural, historical, and educational resources, tourist attractions, and inspirations for contemporary art and community gatherings, emphasising their enduring impact on society and heritage.

Unearthing History: Tin Mining During the Romano-Cornish Period

Maddie Thomson delves into Cornwall’s extensive tin mining history in the Romano-Cornish period (1st-5th centuries AD), discussing how the Romans brought in sophisticated mining methods like hydraulic mining, enabling deeper tin extraction, laying the foundation for modern mining practices. Thomson also goes on to examine how the tin industry had a lasting impact on Cornwall’s landscape and cultural heritage, despite the decline of Roman influence after the 5th century.

A Profile on Saint Piran : Patron Saint of Cornwall

Trin Gleason examines the story of Saint Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners, covering his legendary journey from Ireland to Cornwall in the 6th century, his founding of a church in Perranporth, his links to tin smelting, and how his legacy lives on to this day. Gleason also explores the important roles of other Cornish saints like St Petroc and St Michael, highlighting their significant contributions to Cornwall’s vibrant historical and cultural legacy.

Every year, the museum offers support to students from a range of universities, work placements and organisations. If you are interested, visit our Young People and Placements page.