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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian

@cornishhistory.bsky.social
445 followers 332 following 308 posts

Cornish writer and blogger. See my website: the-cornish-historian.com

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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 13h
It’s not all about the men…mine and Nick Serpell’s forthcoming 'The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby' charts the history of the women’s game in Cornwall also... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
On this date in 1924, Redruth’s Tommy Harris became the first Cornish rugby league international, playing for England against Other Nationalities at Headingley. He wasn’t the only player to switch codes… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/28/c... #Kernow #Cornish #Cornwall #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornwall’s Rugby Codebreakers: Part Two
From the 1920s to the present, the stories of the Cornish rugby union players who switched codes and joined the rugby league…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Troon RFC were active from the 1890s but had folded by 1966. The team photo from the 1950s features my uncles John, Percy and cousin Anthony Carter. 'The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby', available autumn 2027. #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
On this date in 1873: a desperate anti-police riot on the streets of Camborne, Cornwall… the-cornish-historian.com/2023/10/07/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
The Camborne Riots of 1873: Part Two
Concluding the violent story of the biggest anti-police riot in Cornish history…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
On this date in 1873, two miners are arrested on Trelowarren Street, Camborne, after assaulting several police officers. Matters got worse… the-cornish-historian.com/2023/09/30/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
The Camborne Riots of 1873: Part One
150 years ago, the people of Camborne took part in the biggest anti-police riot in Cornish history…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The Cornwall rugby squad of 1962, by Ernie Loze. Find out more in 'The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby', coming out in autumn 2027... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Many happy returns to Cornish Wrestling legend Gerry Cawley! the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/07/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Sporting Heroes, #6: Gerry Cawley, Champion Wrestler
An interview with Cornishman Gerry Cawley, champion Cornish wrestler for over 25 years…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Writing The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby with Nick Serpell I’ve realised how incredibly resilient Corwall’s rugby clubs are. Four different pitches, two pubs, now closed - but Veor are still around. Find them on Facebook. #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This date in 1915 saw the opening of the Battle of Loos on the Western Front. Two members of Camborne School of Mines RFC, Ian Penney and Alexander Johnson, were to die there. the-cornish-historian.com/2025/11/09/r... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Roll of Honour ~ Camborne School of Mines RFC
The stories of the Camborne mining students who laid down their lives in World War One…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A terrible Cornish mining disaster on this date in 1893. Months before, J. C. Burrow had photographed what was to become the scene of the tragedy… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/08/28/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
The Man Who Photographed the Miners: J. C. Burrow in Cornwall and Wales
Who was the man who photographed the miners? How did he do it? What risks did he take? Didn’t he always operate in Cornwall? Read the story behind the stunning photographs of Cornish mining i…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
On this date in 1934…one of the fastest bowlers of all time cranked it up at Camborne CC… the-cornish-historian.com/2023/04/28/b... #Cornwall/Kernow #Cornwall #Cornish #Kernow
the-cornish-historian.com
Bodyline at North Roskear
One for all cricket lovers…what do a bandleader, a mine captain, and the world’s fastest bowler have in common?
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Redruth Albany RFC – Cornwall’s oldest surviving junior club. Being robbed to the tune of £28K and having to abandon their clubhouse can’t stop them from getting on the pitch.Their approaching centenary season will be an amazing achievement! #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall #Rugby
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The NEW history of Cornish rugby, 'The Black and the Gold', by Nick Serpell and myself, tells you all about the greats of the game in Cornwall. Who was profiled in the very first issue of Rugby World, in October 1960? #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Many happy returns to one of Cornwall’s greatest exports… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/05/17/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Sporting Heroes, #5: Tony Penberthy: Troon, Cornwall and Northants Cricket
An interview with Troon-born Cornish cricketer Tony Penberthy, who played professionally for First Class County side Northamptonshire…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
On this date in 1912: Camborne RFC nearly quit the RFU and become Cornwall’s first rugby league club… the-cornish-historian.com/2024/02/03/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
The Great Cornish Rugby Split?
The true story of how two Camborne RFC players joined the Northern Union, nearly causing Camborne to quit the RFU in a bitter fallout…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
The NEW history of Cornish rugby, The Black and the Gold, by Nick Serpell and myself, seeks to remember the unsung heroes of rugby in Cornwall. Who was the Cornwall team’s ‘magic sponge’ man between 1926 and 1960, missing only one championship match? #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
The NEW history of Cornish rugby, The Black and the Gold, by Nick Serpell and myself, remembers the unsung heroes of rugby in Cornwall. Who was the Cornwall team’s ‘magic sponge’ man between 1926 and 1960, missing only one championship match? #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
‘HAIL THE CONQUERING HEROES…’ A NEW history of Cornish rugby, The Black and the Gold, by Nick Serpell and myself, looks at the moments that defined club rugby in Cornwall. Who are the team, whose was the jersey, and why are they so happy? #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall #Rugby
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Murder on the streets of the Cornish village of Lostwithiel on this date in 1814… #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall the-cornish-historian.com/2024/03/23/g...
the-cornish-historian.com
Gallows Bell: The Murder of Joseph Burnett
The tragic story of a Lostwithiel Town Sergeant’s death at the hands of a British soldier…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Tragedy in a Cornish town on this date in 1883... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall the-cornish-historian.com/2023/03/12/t...
the-cornish-historian.com
The Wheal Agar Disaster of 1883
The harrowing true story of one of the worst disasters in Cornish mining history…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The forthcoming book ‘The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby’, looks at clubs that formed around local industry. First image shows Holmans playing at Wheal Gerry on Cliff View, Camborne, in the mid-1950s. Second is today, as Rosemellin School. #Kernow #Cornwall #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The forthcoming book ‘The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby’ by Nick Serpell and myself isn’t just about the county teams or the biggest clubs. Who remembers playing at St Day RFC? #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
‘The Black and the Gold: The Story of Cornish Rugby’ by Nick Serpell and myself isn’t just about Cornwall’s current clubs. We also write about the many clubs that are sadly no longer around, like Stithians RFC. #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The old gunpowder works at Kennall Vale near Stithians. Thanks to iWalkCornwall for another great route #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
*NEW POST* Rugby was officially cancelled between 1939 and 1945, but that didn’t stop the people of Cornwall from playing the game. Here is the largely untold story of Cornish rugby during the war years… the-cornish-historian.com/2026/07/31/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Rugby During World War Two
All rugby was officially cancelled for the duration of the war, but that didn’t stop people in Cornwall…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
New post on Friday! Jack Hick was a popular wrestler and rugby player, but what’s the occasion of his being caricatured..? For more Cornish sporting history, see: the-cornish-historian.com/category/spo... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Some series that maid x
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/institute-...
eventbrite.co.uk
Institute of Cornish Studies Independent Researchers Conference
Hybrid; on Zoom and on Penryn campus. ZOOM LINK IN OVERVIEW.
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Spaces still available (in-person or online) to join me and other fantastic speakers at the Institute of Cornish Studies next Wednesday! With the Institute’s very existence under threat, show solidarity! Registration link in the comments. Here's my topic: #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
He’s adorable ❤️
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
*NEW POST* I was privileged to interview the great Penryn, Cornwall, Bristol and England wing, Ken Plummer… the-cornish-historian.com/2026/06/27/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Sporting Heroes, #7: Ken Plummer: Penryn, Cornwall, Bristol and England Rugby
My interview with the Penryn, Cornwall and England rugby legend Ken Plummer…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
New post on Saturday morning! I had the honour of speaking to this young man... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
On this date in 1863, Cornish wrestler Joseph Menear beats Devonian arch-rival John Slade in London to win the Duke of Cornwall’s Cup… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/02/j... #Kernow #Cornish #Cornwall #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Joseph Menear and Cornish Wrestling in London
The story of Cornishman Joseph Menear, London’s champion wrestler of Cornwall and Devon during the 1860s…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
On this date in 1847, 3,000 starving people marched into St Austell. The Riot Act was read, and the militia called in… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/02/06/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Trouble in Clay Country: The Food Riots of 1847, Part Five
The rioters finally meet their match in St Austell. Bayonets at the ready…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Many happy returns to Richard Pascoe, Cornwall’s cycling hero… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/04/19/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Sporting Heroes, #3: Richard Pascoe, Saint Piran Cycling
I speak with Saint Piran and Bike Chain boss Richard Pascoe on his early career, his business and the future of the Saint Piran Pro Cycling Team…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Happy 92nd birthday to Graham Paul, a Cornish rugby star for Penzance & Newlyn and top rugby league outfit Hull KR! the-cornish-historian.com/2025/04/12/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornish Sporting Heroes, #2: Graham Paul, Rugby League Star
An interview with Cornish dual-code rugby legend Graham Paul…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
On this date in 1847, riot and bloodshed in Redruth as the Cornish food riots reach their apogee… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/01/30/h... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Hellfire Corner: Redruth: The Cornish Food Riots, Part Four
Violence, looting, and arrests in Redruth as the miners and militia face off…continuing The Cornish Food Riots of 1847…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
On this date in 1871, Cornwall’s most notorious conman died in prison. Read all about how he was finally brought to book below… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/04/17/p... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Paul Rabey and The Foreign Girls’ Protection Society: They Died With Their Shoes On, Part Five
A sinister and extraordinary post…Victorian Cornwall’s most notorious con-artist and Victorian London’s dark underworld…an unpleasant conclusion to this series…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
On this date in 1847, 5,000 starving Cornish miners and their families entered Penzance in search of food. Things got ugly… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/01/16/r... #Kernow #Cornwall #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Rise of the Miners: The Food Riots of 1847, Part Two
Things are getting worse. The miners get organised. The miners march for food – and the authorities react…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Holmans 1920s steam-pressure drill, Honister Slate Mine, Lake District #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
On this date in 1868, jockey John Sobey won the Duke of Cornwall’s Cup at the county races. In 2025, the cup was discovered in California… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/08/10/j... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish
the-cornish-historian.com
John Hicks Sobey and the Duke of Cornwall’s Cup, 1868
How a long-lost piece of Cornish sporting history was discovered in California…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Ta. I’ve sacked my proofreader
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Bloody hell. Harsh, harsh times
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
On this date in 1827, the inmates of Bodmin Jail, Cornwall decided enough was enough… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/02/15/d... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Death or Victory: The Bodmin Jail Riot of 1827
Penal treadwheels were a terrifying instrument of punishment, and Bodmin Jail’s was especially bad…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
On this date in 1901, the Cornish sports star John Jackett signed papers in Westminster enabling him to fight in the Boer War. Find out what motivated him to leave home below… the-cornish-historian.com/2024/07/06/i... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
In Search of John Jackett, Part Two: The Artist’s Model & The Coastguard’s Daughter
In 1900, John Jackett’s reputation is rocked by scandal…escape abroad is the only option…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
On this date in 1881, the Cornish lawyer Richard Holloway died. He had enjoyed a colourful career… the-cornish-historian.com/2022/09/06/m... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Murder, Debt, Riot: Richard Holloway, Redruth Solicitor
The career of a local solicitor laid bare, with an overview of his cases, financial problems, and harrowing family tragedy…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
On this date in 1814, a raid on two Truro flour mills revealed a massive criminal operation, covering Cornwall and beyond. Read all about it below… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/03/08/t... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
The Great Cornish Bake Off
At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, a group of Cornishmen exploit demand by establishing a network selling flour cut with china clay…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
On this date in 2025, Ben Priddey’s 45th try of the season for top Cornish outfit Camborne RFC put him top of an illustrious list… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/04/26/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Camborne RFC’s Top Try Scorers
The history of Camborne Rugby Club’s top try scorers over the years, from 1877 to the present day…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
On this date in 1914, former Camborne RFC player Harry Launce played a major role in Salford’s Northern Union Championship win over Huddersfield. Launce wasn’t the only man from Cornwall to switch rugby codes… the-cornish-historian.com/2025/06/21/c... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Cornwall’s Rugby Codebreakers: Part One
From the 1890s to World War One, the stories of all Cornwall’s rugby union players who switched codes and joined the northern union…
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Francis Edwards ~ The Cornish Historian @cornishhistory.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
GEDDON! Camborne RFC have a chance to make history today…nearly 50 years ago, the club’s Centenary XV had a similar opportunity: to achieve something no Camborne side had managed before…read all about it below… the-cornish-historian.com/2023/02/05/r... #Cornwall #Kernow #Cornish #Kernow/Cornwall
the-cornish-historian.com
Rugby Special ~ Part Twelve
It’s the day of the CRFU Cup Final…all Camborne have to do to achieve a Cup and Merit Table ‘double’ in their 1977-78 Centenary Season is beat lowly St Austell…
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