Illustrated Talk; How Cotehele became a National Trust attraction

Cotehele was passed to the National Trust in memory of Piers Richard Edgcumbe.  Piers, the only son of the 6^th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe was killed at Dunkirk in 1940 with no known grave.  This talk begins by telling us about Piers and the trail that eventually led to finding out his fate and then highlights some of the significant events in the 75 years since the National Trust took over as custodian of the house, mill, countryside and gardens.

Bar opens at 7pm, 1 hour before the performance.

Children 12 and under go FREE with an adult ticket – please just let us know how many children you are bringing.

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Seventy five years ago, Cotehele, a tranquil estate on the river Tamar was passed to the National Trust in memory of Piers Richard Edgcumbe.  Piers was the only son of Kenhelm William Edward, 6^th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe who was killed at Dunkirk in 1940 and commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial as missing with no known grave.  Cotehele is a war memorial to Piers Richard, and all those who have lost their lives in the second world war.

This talk begins with Ian Lauder, a room guide at Cotehele, telling us about Piers and the trail that eventually led to him finding out his fate.  Nick Stokes from Cotehele will take over and talk about how the National Trust cares for Cotehele.  He will highlight some of the significant events and achievements over the last three quarters of a century and give us an insight into how the National Trust’s role as custodian of the house, mill, countryside and gardens has changed over time.  This talk reflects Cotehele’s celebratory exhibition of 75 years with the National Trust which is open daily until 30 October.