Cotehele & Saltash

Historic 15th Century house in Saltash. Home to the Edgcumbe family for centuries before they moved to Mount Edgecombe. There is a superb collection of textiles, armour and furniture which the public can take guided tours between March and the end of October.

Property Information:

In the woods above the tidal River Tamar nestles Cotehele, the original medieval manor house, which was rebuilt between 1490 and 1525 by Sir Richard Edgecumbe and his son. Cotehele is one of the least altered medieval houses in Britain and today remains unconnected to an electricity supply. The house itself is one of many stories, myths and legends.

King George III and Queen Charlotte came to see Cotehele's ancient and romantic interior in 1979, and found it festooned with tapestries and adorned with textiles, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. Little has changed, and a visit to the old house is a truly magical experience.

Outside Cotehele Historical House, the terraces are formally planted and the jungle plantation of the valley garden beyond, which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote is truly breathtaking. Climb to the top of the Prospect Tower, a three-sided 18th Century folly high above the house, and enjoy fantastic views, or seek out the tranquillity of the upper garden. A short walk through the woods takes you to Cotehele watermill, where flour, produced in the traditional way is on sale.

Unique Features:

The great hall has a display of arms and armoury beneath a high, arched timber roof and the solar has a collection of period furniture and tapestries. The estate also has magnificent walks and trails to enjoy throughout the dryer months. Cotehele has on site catering in the licensed Barn Restaurant with waitress service. The Edgcumbe Arms tea-room is also available, and groups can take advantage of a set menu and reserve large bookings.

The History Of Saltash which is the closest village to Cotehele Manor:

Saltash is known as the Gateway to Cornwall, as it lies just across the River Tamar from Plymouth, crossing is by vehicle over the Tamar Bridge or travellers arriving in the county by train will cross the Royal Albert Bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous railway bridge across the river completed in 1859.

TREMATON CASTLE:
 
Nearby 11th century motte-and-bailey Trematon Castle was built in a commanding position over the valley and Trematon Manor is a Georgian house worth a visit. In fact, the villages of Trematon and Burraton are the original settlements of this area.
The Lord of Trematon founded the market town of Saltash in the 12th century, at a point where an ancient highway crossed the Tamar estuary by means of a ferry. Saltash achieved borough status around the end of that century. It was the first port to be established on the system of estuaries stretching from Plymouth Sound. Until 1901, Saltash had jurisdiction over all those waters. The town’s strategic position led to its involvement in many important events.
 
ST NICHOLAS and ST FAITH:
 
An early Norman church is St Nicholas and St Faith uphill from the ferry crossing. However the main parish church for Saltash is the 15th century St Stephens which is about a mile from the town centre.
Saltash Old Photos

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE:
 
Francis Drake born at Crowndale nr Tavistock about 1543, married Mary Newman of Saltash in 1569. (You can visit Mary Newman's Cottage and gardens in Saltash). They had no children and she died twelve years later in 1581, leaving the newly knighted Sir Francis Drake a widower. He later remarried in 1585. The birthplace of Mary Newman, Drake's first wife, is a cottage in Culver Street.
Mary Newmans supposed home dates from about 1480 and is by far the oldest building which remains intact in Saltash giving an insight into life in the 1400’s. It contains fine early furniture, and has a peaceful garden with views down the Tamar estuary.

MARY NEWMAN'S COTTAGE:

Drake returned to the Caribbean in 1569, 1571, and 1572 attacking Spanish ports and ships.When he returned to England,on arriving in Plymouth Drake sent a courier to London to inform Queen of his success and sent samples of the silver, gold and jewels booty taken from Spanish treasure ships in the Pacific Ocean. The 26 tons of silver were stored in Trematon Castle nr Saltash before being transported to London, where it was stored in the Tower of London. Drake sent for his wife, Mary, and travelled with her to London for an audience with the Queen. Drake was now a national hero.

ANN GLANVILLE:

Saltash produced a champion rower in Ann Glanville who was famous between 1820 and 1850, at regattas all over England, she and her crews of Saltash women were seldom beaten in four-oared gig races, even against male competitors.