Hawker's Hut
Encyclopedia
Hawker's Hut is a historic hut at Morwenstow
, Cornwall
originally built by the eccentric clergyman, poet and antiquarian
, Robert Stephen Hawker
(1803 – 1875), close to Higher Sharpnose Point. The hut is located approximately 1 mile from Morwenstow Church
.
The hut is mainly of timber construction and is partially built into the hillside (earth sheltered) with a turf roof. It was originally built from driftwood and timber retrieved from shipwrecks by the eccentric vicar and poet. Parson Hawker spent many hours in the hut writing poems and smoking opium
, no doubt inspired by the spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to the hut during Hawker's time there included Alfred Tennyson
in 1848 (with whom Hawker toured Tintagel) and Charles Kingsley
. Today the hut is accessible on foot from the coastal footpath via a short set of steps.
Hawker's hut has been maintained since its original construction although some of the original elements are still present. It is currently the smallest property belonging to the National Trust
.
Morwenstow
thumb|Parish Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist, MorwenstowMorwenstow is a civil parish and hamlet in north Cornwall, United Kingdom. The hamlet is situated near the coast approximately six miles north of Bude....
, Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
originally built by the eccentric clergyman, poet and antiquarian
Antiquarian
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
, Robert Stephen Hawker
Robert Stephen Hawker
Robert Stephen Hawker was an Anglican priest, poet, antiquarian of Cornwall and reputed eccentric. He is best known as the writer of The Song of the Western Men with its chorus line of And shall Trelawny die? / Here's twenty thousand Cornish men / will know the reason why!, which he published...
(1803 – 1875), close to Higher Sharpnose Point. The hut is located approximately 1 mile from Morwenstow Church
Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist, Morwenstow
The Church of St Morwenna and St John the Baptist, Morwenstow is in the parish of Morwenstow, north Cornwall, United Kingdom , the most northerly in Cornwall. The church is dedicated to Morwenna, a local saint, and to John the Baptist, and is a Grade I listed building. It is an active Anglican...
.
The hut is mainly of timber construction and is partially built into the hillside (earth sheltered) with a turf roof. It was originally built from driftwood and timber retrieved from shipwrecks by the eccentric vicar and poet. Parson Hawker spent many hours in the hut writing poems and smoking opium
Opium
Opium is the dried latex obtained from the opium poppy . Opium contains up to 12% morphine, an alkaloid, which is frequently processed chemically to produce heroin for the illegal drug trade. The latex also includes codeine and non-narcotic alkaloids such as papaverine, thebaine and noscapine...
, no doubt inspired by the spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to the hut during Hawker's time there included Alfred Tennyson
Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson
Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular poets in the English language....
in 1848 (with whom Hawker toured Tintagel) and Charles Kingsley
Charles Kingsley
Charles Kingsley was an English priest of the Church of England, university professor, historian and novelist, particularly associated with the West Country and northeast Hampshire.-Life and character:...
. Today the hut is accessible on foot from the coastal footpath via a short set of steps.
Hawker's hut has been maintained since its original construction although some of the original elements are still present. It is currently the smallest property belonging to the National Trust
National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
.
Other references
- Deacon B (2010) Exploring Cornwall's Past Alison Hodge Publishers, Pages 46–47. ISBN 9780906720721.
- Chapman S and Chapman D (2008) Iconic Cornwall Alison Hodge Publishers. ISBN 9780906720578.
- Kent Michael and Kent Merryn (2008) Cornwall from the Coast Path Alison Hodge Publishers, Page 11. ISBN 9780906720684.