Local History

Poldark was a series of historical novels by Winston Graham, and a popular BBC television drama during the '70s. One of the stars of the now legendary series, Angharad Rees made a special visit to Poldark in March 2009.

'An Evening with Poldark' was the theme of a special conference organised by students from Cornwall College in Camborne as they wanted to show the importance of history and heritage to tourism.

An audience from the tourism industry plus fans of the series packed in to the conference where nostalgia reigned.

Angharad Rees at Poldark in March 2008

The show may be more than 30 years old, but it shows no sign of ageing when it comes to its popularity. In June 2008, to celebrate author Winston Graham's centenary all 12 Poldark novels were republished.

"I did experience all the settings which were built by the BBC but I have never been to Poldark Mine because I wasn't insured," says Angharad Rees.

"I was in hospital recently and I switched on the television and there was Poldark, so I watched it again thirty years on. The good thing about Poldark is it hasn't aged."

Thirty years ago people would stop everything to watch Poldark when it launched. It was one of those special programmes that gripped the nation.

The audience enjoy the evening

"It was a total surprise to me that it was adored by everyone. You really hope people are going to like what you do. But the shows were also internationally appreciated."

Poldark has been translated into many different languages over the years and still attracts lots of interest throughout the world.

Thirty years on, the repeats of the series still gain huge audiences.

"There was talk at the time of a third series but I think everybody felt at the time we'd done enough. Winston would have to write more books, which he did in the end."