Tradition Born of the Sea

Cornwall’s rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs and perilous waters, have a long history of shipwrecks, many of which have become legendary.

The combination of rocky shores, hidden reefs, and sudden storms made the coast of Cornwall one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the British Isles, feared by the sailors navigating its waters.

Entire communities along the coast were shaped by these wrecks, with tales of brave rescues, lost cargo, and tragic losses becoming part of the fabric of Cornish life.

Mariners and fishermen who worked these waters did so with deep respect and a keen awareness of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. Over time, these stories of shipwrecks and survival have passed into folklore, adding to the mysterious legacy of the Cornish coast.

The Wreckers Coast

Wrecking, the practice of salvaging goods from shipwrecks, has long been steeped in myth along Cornwall’s rugged coastline. Tales of false lights luring ships onto rocks for easy plunder have captured imaginations, but the reality is a tale of community and human kindness.

The myth of wreckers as ruthless plunderers is exaggerated. Coastal communities, often the first on the scene, would salvage what they could from the wrecks, seeing it as their right and a means of survival but these same people were the ones risking their lives to save sailors from the sea’s fury.

Wrecks that Shaped History

The Santa Maria de la Rosa (1595)

During the failed Spanish invasion of England, several ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked off the Cornish coast. The Santa Maria de la Rosa was one of these, lost near St. Michael’s Mount in 1595. It is said that the ship was carrying a treasure trove, though no significant finds have been made, adding to the shipwreck’s legend and mystery.

The John (1855)

In May 1855, the passenger ship The John tragically met its end on The Manacle Reef of the coast of ‘The Lizard’ peninsula. En route from Liverpool to Australia, the ship struck the rocks in dense fog, resulting in the loss of around 194 lives. Many of the lost were young emigrants seeking a new beginning. This disaster cemented the Manacles’ reputation as a notorious ship’s graveyard, a legacy that echoes through the history of Cornwall.

The Thames (1863)

In 1863, the steam packet Thames ran aground in heavy fog near Cribba Head, Porthcurno . Local fishermen, braving the treacherous conditions, managed to save all but one of the 58 passengers and crew. The event is commemorated in Porthcurno to this day.

The Bay of Panama (1898)

The Bay of Panama was a 1,205-ton steamship that met its fate on the Manacle Rocks in January 1898. The ship was carrying a cargo of wool and tallow from Australia to London when it struck the rocks. All but two of the crew were rescued, but the wreck added to the deadly reputation of the Manacles.

Our Spirits

Our spirits are distilled with Cornish Natural Spring Water. Our botanicals and sloe berries, picked from the surrounding coastline. And Cornwall’s most famous flavour, captured in our Clotted Cream Gin.

Add Wrecking Coast to your collection today. Explore and purchase our full range through our online shop.