History of Shilla Mill

Shilla Mill

Nestled at the edge of Polzeath where two streams—Polzeath Brook and the Trenant Stream—meet, Shilla Mill is a place steeped in history, myth, and character. Built in 1591, this once-thriving water-powered corn mill ceased operation in 1885 and was later transformed into a private residence. Remarkably, it remains largely unchanged to this day, preserving centuries of Cornish heritage.

A Place of Poets

Shilla Mill has long inspired visitors and creatives alike. Among the most notable was Sir John Betjeman, the beloved Poet Laureate, who had a deep affection for Polzeath and Shilla Mill in particular. He was often seen wandering the paddock—now the site of our family-friendly campsite—seeking poetic inspiration. Betjeman’s verses directly reference the mill, capturing the magic of the place in timeless lines.

A Royal Connection

For many years, Shilla Mill was owned by the distinguished Mabley (or Maberly) family, relatives of the proprietors of the well-known Mabley & Carew Department Store in Cincinnati, USA. Through marriage, the family is also connected to the British Royal Family—including Queen Elizabeth II herself.

Royal ties run deep in the area. Much of Polzeath Beach is still owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, and the beach was a well-loved surfing destination for Princes William and Harry during their teenage years.

Polzeath at War

During World War Two, the quiet coastal village of Polzeath became a place of refuge. As part of the evacuation of major cities like London, children were sent to live in North Cornwall. Diana Robinson, one such evacuee, later recounted fond memories of playing near Shilla Mill and crossing the old footbridge that once spanned the streams. Others recalled defensive wartime measures—such as the ‘dragon’s teeth’ tank traps scattered across the village and scaffolding erected on the beach—meant to deter enemy landings.

Smugglers and Secrets

Cornwall’s smuggling past is well documented, and Polzeath was no exception. Its position on the coast made it a prime location for smugglers intercepting trading ships from Ireland and the West Indies. Vessels heading for Bristol would sometimes rendezvous offshore with smaller boats, transferring contraband that would later be landed at Polzeath or Padstow under cover of darkness.

Among the most infamous of Cornwall’s smugglers was ‘Cruel’ Copinger—a mysterious and ruthless figure known for operating between piracy and smuggling. Based in nearby Port Isaac, legend has it Copinger once hid at Shilla Mill for three days, evading local excisemen after deliberately luring a revenue cutter onto the rocks near Gull Rock using his ship, The Black Prince.

Help Us Preserve the Legacy

We’re currently gathering historic and modern photographs of Shilla Mill to enrich this website and preserve its story for future generations.

If you or your family have any photos—old or new—featuring Shilla Mill, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch and help us bring this unique piece of Cornish history to life.