Boscastle
OS Grid ref:- SX097914
The attractive harbour of Boscastle is situated on the North Cornwall Coast.
The village was once a thriving port, but the advent of the railways to the north of Cornwall brought about its decline. It is now a highly popular tourist destination.
Boscastle clings to the sides of the highly attractive Valency Valley, through which a stream wends its way to the sea and has many picturesque old cottages with uneven roofs and characterful slate porches. The medieval harbour still provides anchorage for many small fishing boats and was once widely used for exporting slate and grain. Boscastle has a variety of gift shops, tea rooms, accommodation and restaurants along with the Museum of Witchcraft, housed in a converted water mill.
The Museum of Witchcraftis home to the largest collection of witchcraft related articles in the world, including charms, spells, curses and even an assortment of broomsticks and cauldrons!
The owner of the museum is himself a warlock and the museum is visited regularly by a local witch. Tales of witchcraft have always been abundant in Cornwall, with its rich tradition of supersition and legend and witches still practice at many sacred sites in the county.
The harbour at Boscastle was built in 1584 by Sir Richard Grenville, replacing an ancient harbour on the site. Sea trips are available from local boatmen to view the surrounding cliffs and superb coastline. A short walk from the quayside ascends to the Lookout, from which, on a clear day, unrivalled views of the panoramic North Cornwall Coast can be viewed. The coastal walks from Boscastle to nearby Tintagel Castle are spectacular, particularly so in spring when the cliffs are awash with a profusion of wildflowers.
The Boscastle Food, Art and Crafts Festival, a unique event is held on Sat, 7th Sun, 8th October.
The Boscastle Flood
On 16 August, 2004, the Boscastle flash flood, the worst in living memory occurred on 16 August, 2004 and caused extensive damage. After torrential rain had fallen over a period of five hours in the afternoon, (at the peak of the downpour 24mm of rain in just fifteen minutes had been recorded at nearby Lesnewth.) The downpour lead to a 7' rise in river levels.
A bridge over the stream collapsed , debris gathered underneath this was understood to have been holding the torrent at bay, and a 10' wave surged down Boscastle main street, sweeping cars in its path out to sea and causing severe damage to buildings, although luckily there was no loss of life.
A rescue operation was launched and lasted from mid afternoon until 2am the next day.