Ann E Brockbank Novelist : Gweek

Gweek, Helford, Cornwall

The setting for my new novel

I just thought I would give you a little insight into the beautiful Helford river village of Gweek which gave me the inspiration to write my novel.

This is the view of the bridge in the middle of the village, as mentioned in the first chapter of Mr de Sousa's Legacy. Photo © Ann E Brockbank

Gweek is a village and civil parish in the Kerrier district of Cornwall, England

The name derives from the Cornish word wyk meaning creek.

This is a view of the river from the first bridge. Photo © Ann E Brockbank

This lovely village nestles at the upper reaches of the tidal limit of the Helford River which is a ‘drowned river valley system which was formed thousands of years ago when the land sank and the valleys were flooded by the sea. It is located on the soft side of the lizard (the most southerly point in England.)

The Helford River is one of the loveliest and most unspoilt rivers in Cornwall. Deep sheltered valleys covered in ancient oak woodlands, lead down to hidden creeks, century old villages and gardens and is far removed for the wild jagged cliffs and treeless heaths at the west of the peninsula

The Ancient Harbour of Gweek

The old port of Gweek is at the head of navigation of the tidal Helford River

History books show there was a port in Gweek as long ago as 450 BC when tin was traded with the Phoenician merchants from the eastern Mediterranean. The Romans named Gweek ‘Vicos’. In Mediaeval times Gweek was the busiest harbour with its own Customs House, when Helston port ceased to be workable owing to the build up of shingle and silt at Loe Bar.

It was here in Gweek that the pilchard-fishery carried on extensively, with 200 boats being employed in bringing the fish, which were cured in the various creeks and coves within the limits of the port. In addition to the fishery, the chief trade consisted in the exportation of copper-ore, corn, and oysters, and the importation of limestone, timber and coal; the latter needed to run surrounding mines.

Now in the 21st century the river is still navigable at high tide through a small channel and is now mainly used for pleasure craft.

Gweek is once again a beautiful thriving bustling village where the village facilities are well supported, making it a busy community within a tranquil river village setting.

Gweek Quay Boatyard keeps the village live and vibrant and is a thriving workplace which houses several boatbuilding, repair and maintenance companies. The Boatyard also has facilities to overwinter some 250 yachts. The Old Custom House still stands within the Boat yard