A Brief History of Camelford
Camelford: The Gateway to Bodmin Moor
Camelford is an ancient town which is on the edge of Bodmin Moor, about six miles inland from the North Cornwall coast. Today the A39, the Atlantic Highway trunk road, runs through the town.
The town was situated on a medieval trading route and was an important centre of commerce when Richard Earl of Cornwall created the present borough in 1258. This was confirmed by Royal Charter by Henry III in 1259.
The effects of the Charter remain in the town with the market place and Market House at the centre which later became the Town Hall. The basis of the town’s economy was agricultural and the market was comprised of livestock and produce sales.
In the 21st century Camelford has resurrected the monthly market which was conferred by the Charter of 1259 and has recently put in a bid for ‘Portas Pilot’ funding with the intent of making Camelford a thriving economy once more.
At the end of the Civil War King Charles II needed to exercise a close control over Parliament with a compliant House of Commons. He did this by granting new Charters to a number of towns, Camelford being one. Two Members of Parliament would represent each town and the King reserved the right to remove from office any who proved to be recalcitrant. This continued until 1832 when the Reform Bill abolished two “rotten boroughs” including Camelford.
Charles II’s Charter of 1669 confirmed the earlier one of 1259. Under the Charter the Corporation acquired the title of Mayor and Burgesses of Camelford. The burgesses were given the rights to customs, tolls, profits and any other income from the fairs or markets that the Charter allowed the Burgesses to hold in the town. A Burgess was any inhabitant of a borough entitled to full municipal rights and privileges, especially the right to vote at the election.
As a result the town’s inns and businesses thrived and the patronage of the MPs brought a lot of money into the town which is reflected in some handsome buildings. The symbol of the camel, as used on the Town Hall weather vane, is used often in connection with Camelford although the name has nothing to do with camels.
The word Camelford is believed to be derived from ‘cam’ meaning ‘crooked’ in Celtic and ‘alan’ meaning ‘beautiful’ and ‘ford’. Thus Camalanford over time has become Camelford. There has been a bridge in the town over the River Alan, which winds through the town, since 1521.
Some believe that King Arthur and his Knights form part of North Cornwall history and that Camelford was once the famed ‘Camelot’. The truth has been lost over time as is the name of a real warrior king who died in a battle outside Camelford at Slaughter Bridge.
Whatever the true story of Slaughter Bridge, the inhabitants, approximately 3000 in 2012, enjoy the beauty of their surroundings for touring, walking, fishing, swimming and surfing. The town is steeped in history and legend and perhaps this is the reason that there is a great sense of community and place in Camelford.
Sources: Camelford 2000 years of History by Arthur Trevena
NCDC Conservation Area Character Statement
CSUS et al
Camelford - Cornwall Online
Camelford Town Council
St Thomas
Civic Reception in the Town Centre
This is not organised by Gorsedh Kernow but by the the Mayor of Camelford. The Grand Bard, Deputy Grand Bard and other bards wishing to attend will be guests. This ceremony is to welcome the Gorsedd to the town. It is hoped that many Bards will join the ceremony which will process from Sir James Smith’s Community School at 10.15 to the Bandstand, Enfield Park, in the main street for the short ceremony at 10.30 am. Bardh Mur has given permission for robes to be worn at this welcoming ceremony. Robing will take place at Sir James Smith’s Community School, which will be open to bards from 9.30 am. After this ceremony, we will process to the Council Car park and will return to Sir James Smith’s Community School by minibuses.
Car parking for bards Car Parking will be at Sir James Smith’s Community School, Camelford and free of charge. Any bard who has mobility problems needs to say on their booking form and a special parking car sign will be issued so that they can park as near to the changing rooms as possible.
Disabled Bards The procession to the Bardic Circle in the sports field will take 10mins. There is a wide gradual slope from the changing rooms and then the field is completely flat. This year we will have one special room for the disabled to change in, both male and female, so that the stewards can assist with their needs. This room has not been identified on the school map but all disabled bards will be informed of the number of the room with a new map either by e-mail or Royal mail.
Bards with mobility problems will be transported from this changing room to the circle with their stewards. If you wish to be transported, please fill in the form appropriately. The bardic tea will be held in the gymnasium, close to the changing rooms and the concert will be held in the school hall, so all venues are close together.
Please advise the Senior Marshal as to any other special requirements for the day in advance.
Public attendance is FREE and welcome and it is hoped that visitors will regard the ceremony as a mark of the unique difference between Cornwall and the shire counties of England. The ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Bard, Mr. Mick Paynter, Skogynn Pryv, assisted by the Gorsedd Officers.
The Gorsedh siteThe route from the main roads will be marked by black and yellow Gorsedh Kernow signs. The site for the ceremony is Sir James Smith’s Community School, Dark Lane, Camelford, Cornwall, PL32 9UJ (for SAT NAVs!)
Robing: This is from 12 noon onwards in Sir James Smith’s Community School. Bards are advised to arrive early for robing.
Installation of the new Grand Bard and Deputy Grand Bard: Towards the end of the Gorsedh ceremony on page 17 of the ceremony booklet, we will have the installation of the new Grand Bard and Deputy Grand Bard. The installation ceremony can be found on page 20. The new Grand Bard will then close the ceremony.
Seating: The chairs forming the Bardic circle are for Bards and Dignitaries only. Visitors can view the ceremony from the outside of the circle of Bardic chairs, and are asked not to intrude into the Bardic circle.
Wet Weather: In the event of wet weather, the Gorsedd will take place in the hall at Sir James Smith’s Community School, Camelford.
Photography: No photographers will be allowed in the circle during the ceremony.
Stalls: There will be a number of stalls on the Gorsedd field selling Cornish language books, Cornish memorabilia, craft and other goods with a Cornish theme. Displays are also welcome if they relate to Cornish cultural life. see stalls letter, terms and conditions and sale and return document for Gorsedh stalls, click here for stalls booking form. There will also be an Esedhvos market in the Camelford Hall on Friday 31st August at which stalls are also available. - click here for market booking form.
Details and application forms are available from Keskerdh Kernow, 3, Park Road, Redruth TR15 2JD or call Jenefer Lowe tel. 07533 723539
Exhibitions and events: In Gorsedd week, there will be exhibitions and events click here for programme organised by Esedhvos Kernow and the Camelford LOC; your attendance will be welcome.
Ceremony Booklet: By tradition the ceremony is conducted mainly in Cornish and the booklet with proceedings in English and Cornish will be available at a cost of £1.
Public concert: This will be held in the Main Hall at Sir James Smith’s Community School and will commence at 19.00. Tickets via the booking form price £6.00.
Formal Tea: For Bards and specially invited guests only. This will be in the Gymnasium of the Sir James Smith’s School, Camelford. The cost will be £5. Please be there by 17.00 for Grace in Cornish. There are facilities elsewhere in Camelford for those not permitted to attend the formal tea. Please note that the closing date for tea tickets will be strictly adhered to. Tickets will be provided without cost and seats reserved on the top table for the invited guests. Tickets for the Evening Concert will be provided on the same basis.
Commemorative Mugs: Attractive mugs are being produced as a souvenir in fine bone china, at a cost of £6.50; these should be ordered through the booking form.
Booking for Saturday Tea & Concert: Bards and Initiates must book tea tickets in advance, as early as possible, and not one day later than Saturday 21st July. It is imperative that this date be adhered to, so that efficient catering arrangements can be made. Tea is being provided at a cost of £5.00. Booking Forms, with cheques/POs, payable to:- Camelford Town Council, must be sent (with SAE) to:- Ms. Marian Sedgwick, Town Clerk, Camelford Gorsedd, Camelford Town Council, Room 9, One Stop Shop, College Road, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9TL
Celtic Delegates: The Gorsedd welcomes the Breton and the Welsh representatives. We hope they have a memorable time.
The Gorsedd Council is very grateful to Camelford Local Organising Committee, who have worked tirelessly to give us a memorable day, the local Old Cornwall Society, the Churchwardens & Congregation of St Thomas’ Parish Church, and to local organisations and volunteers for their welcome and for the help given, without whose assistance our ceremony could not be staged.
Gorsedh Kernow – Camelford 1st September 2012
12:00 Robing in designated rooms in Sir James Smith’s Community School, Camelford.
12:50 Initiates to be robed before a briefing at this time by the Initiates Stewards. Please ensure before you arrive that your hood fits, making any adjustment to the elastic, as necessary.
13.00 All Bards to be robed. The Marshal will brief the Bards, guests, initiates, Lady of Cornwall and dancers with the specific instructions re this Gorsedd in Camelford. Venue – Sports field of Sir James Smith’s Community School, overlooked by Rough Tor.
13.45 Bardic Procession leaves for the Circle.
14.00 The Gorsedd Ceremony will begin.
17:00 Prompt! Bardic Tea in the Gymnasium for the Council’s special guests and bards who have pre-booked.
19:00-21:00 Public Concert in the Main Hall at Sir James Smith’s Community School.
To facilitate the work of the Marshals and Stewards in forming the procession, it is requested that Bards and guests acquaint themselves with the linear order of the procession, which is as follows:-Marshal, Piper, Gorsedd Banner, Initiates, Bards, St. Piran’s Banner, Council Members, Esedhvos Banner, Mistress of Robes and Herald, Chanter and Chaplain, Horner, Dancers, Lady and Attendants, Past Deputy Grand Bards, Past Grand Bards, Secretary and Treasurer, Breton Banner, Breton Reps., Welsh Banner, Welsh Reps., Deputy Grand Bard, Sword Bearer, Grand Bard, Junior Marshal, Deputy Senior Steward, O.C.S. Banners.
Sunday 2nd September
15:00 Ecumenical Service in Cornish in St. Thomas’ Parish Church, Camelford. The collection is for the Church, and all are welcome whether Cornish speakers or not.
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