In the world of Poldark, the importance of pilchard fishing in Porthgwarra is present in the series. Peasant women eagerly scan the sea, as the shoals of pilchards could mean the difference between survival and starvation. The pilchard fishery in Cornwall was a crucial source of sustenance, with lookout “Huers hut” spotting the glittering shoals and guiding the boats to surround them with nets.
In those times, a large catch like the one portrayed in “Nampara Cove” (Porthgwarra) would bring economic prosperity to the community. The fish were preserved by salting and packed in barrels, with their valuable oil extracted and sold as lamp oil.
Fish cellars, known as Pilchard Palaces, stored the cured fish and guarded the precious salt used in the process. This depiction of Poldark captures the romance of the location, while reminding us of the harsh realities faced by fishermen in the 18th century. Today, Porthgwarra’s fishing boats continue the legacy, though with modern advancements.