A renowned Cornish estate is planning some big changes which includes applying for the return of an important piece of Cornish history from the Science Museum in London.
The Trewithen Estate, between Probus and Grampound, has applied to redevelop an old farming complex and listed buildings to create a new visitor complex, farm shop, café and garden.
The estate – which is owned by the Galsworthy family – has submitted plans to Cornwall Council to “build on the estate’s rich heritage, but which would look to provide a public experience which is reflective of contemporary life and current values”.
The site’s history would be at the forefront of the development of the Home Farm area of Trewithen and the new-look buildings would allow the visiting public to experience and learn about the Georgian estate in an immersive environment.
It is the intention of the estate to apply for the return of a Trevithick engine, which is currently held by the Science Museum, to its original location within Trewithen’s Trevithick Barn.
Cornwall’s celebrated inventor and mining engineer Richard Trevithick patented a high pressure steam engine in 1802, which was constructed at Hayle Foundry in 1811 for threshing purposes at Trewithen and was in use on the estate until 1879. It has been in the Science Museum’s collection for many years but the Galsworthy family would like to see it return home to Cornwall.
A planning statement reads: “The ambition is to have the Trevithick Engine installed back in its original position within the Trevithick Barn. The Grade II* Trevithick Barn is the most significant building on site, due to its imposing architecture and the importance of the building’s heritage and association with the Trevithick steam threshing engine.
“In recognition of this, the barn would become a central part of the site’s offering as a visitor attraction. As one of the earliest buildings on the Home Farm site, it has a distinct character and contains features which convey the history of the building.
“Preliminary research has been gathered to ascertain the scale and operation of the engine and its various elements. The conversion has been developed with the engine at the heart of the scheme, it will be visible from outside via new glazed doors, from the gallery above through internal windows, and the access stair has been designed to double as a viewing platform from which to observe the engine.”
The plans include a new estate entrance and visitor complex as well as a new farm shop, café, garden, estate office, holiday let and other associated facilities.
The application adds: “A new generation of the Galsworthy family has taken over the running of the Trewithen Estate. They recognise the significance and value of the estate’s historic assets and are making substantial investments in their preservation and enhancement. The first phase of these works to the Grade I listed mansion have been recently completed.
“The family now wish to improve the experience the estate offers to the visiting public, and therefore seek to redevelop the Home Farm buildings, together with the creation of a new contemporary garden which will complement the existing historic gardens.”