Enchantment was instant as I walked through the entrance of what must be Cornwall’s first attraction after crossing the border from Devon. Mary Newman’s Cottage imparts a fascinating tale, portraying 16th-century life, especially that of Mary, Sir Francis Drake’s first wife, who is reputed to have lived in the Saltash property. Her father and the famous English explorer were seafaring acquaintances, leading to the young couple’s marriage in 1569.
Mr Word Loft and I received a warm welcome from a knowledgeable guide. We listened to enthralling details, starting with the Medieval hearth we were standing in front of, which was revealed when the Tamar Protection Society renovated the house. A window on the front façade was also found, which had previously been boarded up and used as a cupboard.
Enthused and intrigued, we strolled around the house, catching enticing glimpses of the garden and the River Tamar from open casements.
A family of mannequins wearing traditional outfits for the era stands in the schoolroom upstairs. There are two more figures in the bedchamber, dressed as Lady Mary and Sir Francis may have been. I’ve always been interested in fashion throughout the ages, so they were particularly appealing.
Other rooms are filled with artefacts and homely objects, affording an insight into how folk lived in those days. Terracotta tableware, implements for wool crafts and embroidery, wooden toys, and games to while away the hours, not forgetting quill pens atop a desk.
Sun shone as we browsed plant sales on the patio. Irresistible. We purchased a spider houseplant and a spreading perennial for one of our flowerbeds to deter weeds.
The Elizabethan-inspired gardens are ablaze with colour, and we were drawn through an arched avenue woven with pink roses. There are benches to sit and relax at the other end, shaded by fruit trees such as Pig’s Snout, an apple that is an old Cornish variety, known for its sweet and sharp taste, making it suitable for dessert and cider making.
Beyond the house’s whitewashed walls, Saltash’s two bridges can be seen a few hundred metres away. The first opened in 1859 and the second in 1961, so when the property was inhabited from the 14th century, the outlook would have reached as far as Dartmoor.
Lavender fragrance wafted in the breeze, and I was reminded of the importance of lavender and other herbs throughout history. It was the role of Tudor housewives to prepare home remedies for healing all sorts of ailments. And as I sipped tea and munched on cherry and almond cake on the terrace beside the café, I pictured the mistress of the house and her maid. Together, drifting between the foliage, gathering petals and buds. It was a fanciful thought, but maybe I’ll make it part of a short story one day.
Until next time,
Sue. X