St Ives Huers Hut

The Huer's Hut, or Baulking House, is a small white building flanked by open shelters with benches inside, on Hain Walk, perched above St Ives town. From here, a lookout known as the Huer watched St Ives Bay for shoals of pilchards (sardines), a fish that once supported one of Cornwall's most important industries.

When the Huer spotted the fish, he would alert the fishermen below by blowing a long horn or with shouts of “hevva! hevva!” and then guide the boats by making signals above his head with hand held tools known as bushes. For centuries, pilchard fishing shaped the economy, culture and identity of St Ives. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, however, the shoals became less reliable and the industry declined.

Today, there are few physical reminders of this once-thriving trade. St Ives was home to multiple Hut’s like this, and it’s now one of only two remaining in the country, making it an important link to fishing heritage. On the 16th, drop in to the Huer's Hut between 10am and 3pm, to see the inside and hear more about it's fascinating history.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, St Ives Town Council is exploring a way that this building can sensitively be brought back into use, to protect it in the long term. You'll be able to find out more and share your thoughts on the day.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

Visit between 10am and 3pm

Location & directions

The Huers Hut, Hain Walk, St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2AF

Directions:

The Huers Hut is on Hain Walk, which is part of the Southwest Coast Path, however it is also a single vehicle width road. There is no dedicated or on-street parking available. The Huers Hut can be accessed from the pathway from Porthminster. The what three words for the Huers Hut are: ///tutorial.pleaser.cute

Contact on day:

Alison Johnston

Telephone number:

+441736322604

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The Hut is a small historic building, so only a few visitors can be accommodated inside at any one time. Access is via a step and is not wheelchair accessible. Please also be aware that the floor is uneven, lighting is limited, and support props are currently in place within the building.

Additional information

Max number of people:

5

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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