BBC Two’s Villages by the Sea returns, this time turning its lens toward St Agnes, a Cornish village whose picturesque beaches belie a rich, tin-soaked history. Forget sunbathers and ice cream cones, presenter Ben Robinson is here to dig deeper, quite literally, into the story of how this seemingly tranquil spot became a global tin mining powerhouse.
This episode promises a deep dive into the origins of St Agnes’ mining legacy. Robinson explores the geological forces that thrust tin to the surface, transforming this sleepy coastal community into a bustling industrial hub. Viewers will gain an understanding of the ingenious, often back-breaking methods used to extract the precious metal.
But Villages by the Sea doesn’t stop at mining. The program also aims to explain the mystery of the enormous carved stones littering the surf-battered shores of St Agnes bay. Are they remnants of a forgotten civilization? Evidence of ancient rituals? Or simply quirky geological formations? Robinson seeks answers, consulting local experts and historians to shed light on these enigmatic monoliths.
And because no historical exploration is complete without a peek into the lives of everyday people, a local doctor unveils his ancestor’s 150-year-old medical diary. This fascinating artifact offers an intimate portrait of health and disease in St Agnes over a century ago, highlighting both the resilience and vulnerability of past communities.
So, while the beaches of St Agnes may draw tourists seeking seaside relaxation, Villages by the Sea reminds us that beneath the sand lies a wealth of untold stories, waiting to be unearthed. Tune in to BBC Two this Wednesday to uncover the secrets of St Agnes.
Villages by the Sea airs Wednesday at 7:00 PM on BBC Two.
