Sea Shanty and Storytelling Events to Raise Funds for Shipwrecked Sailor’s Headstone

A series of events, including sea shanty performances and storytelling evenings, are set to raise funds for a headstone to commemorate the remains of a shipwrecked sailor discovered on the Cornish coast.

Discovering the Sailor’s Story

In November 2022, the skeletal remains of an 18th-century sailor were found on a cliff above Newtrain Bay, Trevone, following a storm. Radiocarbon dating and bone analysis revealed that the sailor most likely lived in the 1700s, with wear on his teeth suggesting he was accustomed to biting rope—a common trait among sailors of that time.

The remains will be reinterred at Padstow Cemetery next year, with the grave serving as a final resting place for any additional storm-washed remains found within the parish in the future. Cornwall Council has commissioned a local artist to create a bespoke headstone in tribute to all those lost at sea.

Fundraising Events

To raise funds for the headstone, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Heritage Trust, and the Cornwall National Landscape Team have organised several events:

Archaeological Talk: On Thursday, October 10, Dr Richard Mikulski from Cornwall Archaeological Unit will discuss the excavation and findings from the bones. The talk will take place at Padstow Social Club at 6:30 pm. Tickets, with a suggested donation of £10, are available on Eventbrite.

Book Launch and Q&A: Gareth Rees will launch his new book Give Him Some Earth on Friday, October 11, at Padstow Church. The book features fictional stories about the sailor’s life, and attendees will receive a signed copy along with a tote bag. The event includes a Q&A session with Dr Mikulski and Ann Reynolds, Strategic Historic Environment Senior Officer at Cornwall Council. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be purchased from the Cornwall National Landscape website.

Children’s Discovery Club: Aimed at 8 to 14-year-olds, this workshop will allow children to explore archaeology and history at Padstow Community Hub on Saturday, October 12, from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Tickets cost £9.38 per child and can be booked on Eventbrite.

Storytelling and Sea Shanty Evening: Toby Lobb, from Fisherman’s Friends, will perform a sea shanty dedicated to the sailor at Trevone Beach Cafe on Saturday, October 12, starting at 6 pm. Gareth Rees will also read excerpts from his book, with additional performances from local musicians. Tickets are available for £20 from the Cornwall National Landscape website.

A Fitting Tribute

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, expressed gratitude to those who have organised these events, highlighting how the sailor’s story has resonated with the community. All additional funds raised from these events will be donated to Padstow RNLI.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall National Landscape websites.