The world’s largest Cornish library outside of Cornwall has been unveiled in Castlemaine, Victoria, and it’s a treasure chest of history, miners, and Aussie pioneers.

Castlemaine Historical Society Inc (CHSI) hosted a celebration recently, marking the official launch of the Cornish Library. With around 90 attendees, including 28 spirited members of the Cornish Association of Victoria (CAV), the event was a triumphant ode to all things Cornish.

The Cornish Library proudly claimed the title of the world’s largest collection of Cornish reference and genealogical material outside Cornwall. In a historic agreement, the library found a new home within the archives of CHSI, becoming a distinctive section with its own tale to tell.

This grand relocation had been heralded in a significant announcement in 2021. CAV President Ken Peak announced the historic relocation and archiving of their extensive library to the Castlemaine Historical Society. The move was hailed as a pivotal agreement, securing the library’s future as a standalone collection.

Mr Peak said: “More than 700,000 Australians identify themselves as having Cornish heritage. Many of these folk, like me, have Cornish ancestors who worked on the Central Victorian Goldfields.”

The CAV Library, a rich archive cultivated over years, houses an unparalleled collection of resources, including books, journals, maps, and more, making it a comprehensive repository of Cornish history and heritage. The decision to move the library was prompted by the need to find a suitable new home after its previous residence, the Oakleigh Baptist Church, required the space for other purposes.

In the spirit of maintaining the integrity of the collection, the CAV Committee ensured that the resources remained intact as a single collection during the transition. 

“This is an excellent outcome and we look forward to working successfully with the Castlemaine Historical Society for many years to come,” Mr Peak concluded.

The CAV is a vibrant association with 200+ members that meets monthly in Melbourne. For more information, go to http://www.cornishvic.org.au/index.html.

Picture: The launch of the library at Castlemaine. Credit: Arthur Coates/Supplied