Local History

The Charles Causley Trust is restoring the cottage '2 Cyprus Well' in Launceston where world famous writer Charles Causley penned some of his most important works. Some of the rooms remain as they were when Causley died in 2003.

His amazing career included winning the prestigious Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.

Home of Charles Causley

The Cornwall-born writer also served on the Arts Council's poetry panel and was made a CBE in 1986.

Charles Causley was a popular choice for poet laureate after the death of Ted Hughes and worked as literary editor of two BBC radio magazines.

He started writing in the '30s and published more than 50 books and collections of verses for adults and children.

Charles Causley was born and educated in Launceston, where he also taught after the war.

Launceston's castle

Today his cottage '2 Cyprus Well' can be seen throughout the world thanks to panoramic photos taken by a Plymouth student. Karol Kwieteck used a scooter and a head cam to take the 360 degree photos which form the basis of the virtual tour.

The new photos come as an agency is set up to nurture and develop literature across the whole of the south west. Named after and based at Causley's cottage itself -  the literary agency 'Cyprus Well' will develop writers and promote reading.

The new agency is currently looking for trustees - the closing date for applications is the 17th July. To find out more contact Exeter Central Library on 01392 384315.