Hewaswater Today |
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Hewaswater is a small village/hamlet situated approximately 3 miles west of St Austell
The village of Hewaswater lies within the boundaries of four Parish Councils - St Mewan, St Ewe, Grampound and St Stephen-in-Brannel
There are around 36 homes with a population of approximately 80 people.
Several local businesses are established within the village, including an engineering company, a scaffolding company, a plant and garden centre, a garage and car sales and an agricultural/country store.
The Merlin Project has purchased a site in the centre of the village and has built a Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.
A regular bus service runs between St Austell, Truro and surrounding villages.
STICKER BY-PASS - NOISE POLLUTION
Residents living in properties bordering the Sticker by-pass have complained about the considerable increase in noise following removal of gorse bushes and other vegetation from the banks of the by-pass by Cornwall County Council Highways department. This was considered to be a fire hazard.
A site meeting was arranged between representatives of the parish council - Councillors John Lobb, Peter Twining and Jenny Padley, concerned local residents, County and Restormel Councillor Annette Egerton and an official from CCC Highways.
During discussion with residents several suggestions were considered regarding suitable replacement planting
material in order to create an effective sound barrier. It was agreed that the most effective planting for this purpose would be privet for fast growth, and holly for density but slower growth. This work will be carried out during the next planting season.
Residents living in Pothole have observed a gradual settlement of the banks, causing a reduction in height of up to 10ft. Cornwall County Council Highways department agreed to investigate this.
A report will be submitted to the Parish Council recommending this course of action.
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Brief History of Hewaswater
Hewaswater is a small hamlet in mid-Cornwall situated approximately 3 miles west of St Austell on the road to Truro. The name Hewaswater has evolved from the original name of ‘Haues’ recorded in 1293, with various changes up to the present day version. The Cornish meaning of the word Hewas is summer farm, with Water meaning stream – believed to be a place where farmers brought their cattle for summer grazing.
The village is probably better known for it's association with the mining industry. Miners from the Great Hewas and Ventonwyn mines came to the area to find work and to make their homes in Hewaswater. The stamp engine house of the Ventonwyn mine is among the best known in the county being a dominant feature of the landscape, especially to those driving past on the A390.
The Ventonwyn tin mine was in production from 1885 to 1913
Great Hewas mine (situated around the Glenleigh area) originally produced lead, silver, copper and tin. The Great Hewas mine was formed by the merger of two smaller mines, the Silver Kitchen and Golden Parlour. There are records of mining on this site from the 1790's. The mine also had it’s own smelting works.
During 1794-96 Hewas was equipped with a 45inch double acting Boulton and Watt engine which was later removed to the Trescowe mine at Breage. From 1853-60 the mine was worked again and employed 264 people.
The Plough Inn
The existence of a public house is recorded in the hamlet, although no one can recall the time when the building was used as a public house but an old advert in the Royal Cornwall Gazette of 26th October 1860 advertised the sale of the Inn. The property is now a private residence and is still named The Plough.
The Carpenter
Mr John Lean was the local carpenter. He was also the village undertaker and made the coffins, in addition to this he made furniture and was the carpenter to the mines. The picture below shows Mr Lean (second on the right) with his colleagues and the tools of their trade.
The Bakery
The bakehouse was built in 1926 by a Mr John Lean and his son-in-law Frederick Thomas Charles Wilson. Mr Wilson was the baker and supplied a wide area with his bread, saffron cake and Cornish pasties. He employed three people. The bakery closed in 1955. Charles Wilson's son still lives in Hewaswater.
The Blacksmith
Mr Henry Dowrick was the local blacksmith. The picture below shows Mr Dowrick and his assistant outside the forge. The blacksmith’s shop was demolished in 1965 when the road was widened but the cottage remained and was used in later years by Mr and Mrs Warren to run their grocery shop. Mrs Warren was the grandaughter of the blacksmith. Mrs Warren’s shop was the last shop in Hewaswater and closed in 1969. This property is now a private residence but is still called The Shop
The Village Pump
This was a public pump where villagers came daily to collect water in large stone pitchers. The pump was later replaced by a tap.
The village hall was built in 1920 and named the Victory Hall as a memorial to the 1914-18 war. The hall was built by voluntary labour. The main hall had a platform and a small kitchen. Local residents recall using it for darts, snooker, table tennis as well as social evenings and dances. An annual sports day was held when neighbouring villages joined in the fun of horse racing, pitching sheaves and children’s races. With declining support for the facilities during the 1960’s (after the introduction of television into homes) the hall was eventually closed and sold. Mr Ivor Toms bought the hall and it was used for his car spraying business. Mr Andrew Toms occupies the property today.
There is no record of a Church, Chapel or School in the village. Local people used the Paramor Bible Christian Chapel at Lower Sticker. Children att ended the Lower Sticker Board School. Both of these buildings were closed and sold and are now private houses.
