South Harbour Pier, Quay And Walls On South West Side Of Harbour

The South Harbour pier, quay, and walls on the southwest side of the harbour at Boscastle date to approximately 1584. The structure is built of slate stone rubble and quartz. The pier, projecting from the west and curving gently, provides protection to the natural harbour on the south. The seaward side of the pier is raised, with a cobbled path and slip on the leeward, south side. The southwest wall of the harbour is constructed similarly of vertically coursed slate stone rubble interspersed with natural rock outcrops. The quay is directly south of the pier, with a high cliff to the west. Natural rock outcrops enclose the northeast side of the harbour. A pier had been erected by 1547, and repairs to the quay were funded in 1549 by the Church of St. Thomas, Launceston. Extensive rebuilding of the pier in circa 1584 was undertaken following detailed plans drawn up at the request of Sir Richard Grenville, Sheriff of Cornwall, outlining wages paid during the first 14 months of work. A letter from Grenville specifies dimensions that closely match the existing pier. Restoration work occurred in 1740 under Mr Cotton Amy, and an outer bar was added in the 18th century. This outer bar was destroyed during World War II and subsequently reconstructed in 1962, utilizing stone from the demolished Laira Bridge in Plymouth. Historically, Boscastle's port supported industries exporting corn, roof slates, bark for leather tanning, manganese ore (circa 1815-1840), and china clay after 1865, while imports included wine, spirits, pottery, coal, manure, and limestone. An 1861 description noted numerous warehouses, workshops, shipyards, and timber yards. The structure is a fine early harbour construction, significantly enhancing a picturesque setting.