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The present farmhouse
is built on the site of an historic 13th Century manor which once commanded the
greater part of Mevagissey and the local Mill Earlier records show that in 1231, the manor was called Trefluen and, during the Middle Ages, derived its name from a wealthy local family, with the owner recorded as Richard Treluven, Gent |
| It later became the
home of a great Mevagissey benfactor, John Trewolla who, during the 16th
Century, built the port's first pier 'to protect the local fishing boats and
improve facilities for local traders'. William Crooke, merchant, leased the manor in the early 1600's and began building a grand mansion house of brick and slate roof. |
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There were stables and
linhays (barns) to the rear, landcaped gardens and, to cater for the most
popular gentleman's sport of the day, a small bowling green was created on the
site of the current swimming pool. The terraced walks around the garden, leading to the entrance and stone steps are still in use today. There was a walled garden where Kerryanna is now built and an orchard beyond. A large garden on the left-hand side of our road was described in 1772 as an 'abundant parsnip garden' measuring 162ft x 76ft. Presumably, other vegetables were also grown to feed the household. |
| In 1746, one Edward Collecot was paid £ 1-0s-6d for 'thatching ye stables' and in 1748, 'Thomas Harris for 21 days work settling elm trees at Trelevan - £1-1s-0d. | |
| Throughout the 17th Century,
many members of Parliament resided at Trelevan, as it was then spelt, possibly
meaning 'the farm by the elms'. Dr Lynne, a renowned vicar of Mevagissey lived
in the mansion from the 1780's because the local vicarage was too small for his
large family. He died at Trelevan in 1824. Sadly the great mansion was destroyed by fire in the 1850's but some of the orginal walls can be seen by the present garage and behind the farmhouse. |
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| A much smaller house was then built in the
late 1800's which now forms the present farmhouse. Since 1961, we have
added several extensions, but the staircase has not been altered and in
the dining room, which was the old kitchen, part of the old wood panelling
is still in place. History compiled by Anne Hennah with help from notes of the late rev.A.Mapplbeck |
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