Experience a snapshot of Bodmin during the 40s and 50s

This autumn, St Petroc’s Heritage Event offers a fascinating opportunity to step back in time and discover how Bodmin was shaped by war, recovery and social change during the mid-twentieth century. Through dance, music, fashion, stories and photographs, the event brings to life the experiences of a generation whose resilience, community spirit and everyday lives helped shape the Bodmin we know today.

Ellis’ legacy

One of the richest records of this period comes from the work of George Ellis, a photographer who lived in Bodmin at the time and documented everyday life in the town and across Cornwall during the wartime and post-war years.

His remarkable archive captures the moments that rarely find their way into history books, from bustling market days and community celebrations to local businesses, family life and the changing face of Bodmin’s streets. Through his lens, we gain a unique and deeply personal glimpse into the people, places and traditions that shaped mid-century Cornwall.

Many of these images have been given new life thanks to the Bodmin Then & Now community, a local group dedicated to sharing historic photographs and memories of the town. Members have helped identify people, locations and stories within George Ellis’ collection, adding valuable local knowledge and ensuring these snapshots of Bodmin’s past can be understood and enjoyed by future generations.

Bodmin at War

The 1940s were dominated by the Second World War, and Bodmin played an important strategic role. Thousands of Allied servicemen, particularly from the United States Army, were stationed in and around the town ahead of the D-Day landings in 1944. Many were based at Victoria Barracks, whose historic Keep building is today home to Bodmin Keep: Cornwall’s Army Museum, transforming daily life for local residents and bringing an international presence to the town.

Today, visitors can discover more about this period through the collections and stories preserved by Bodmin Keep, which continues to share Bodmin’s military heritage and its contribution to the war effort.

A Market Town Rebuilding

As peace returned, Bodmin gradually resumed its role as a traditional Cornish market town. Agriculture, local trade and weekly markets once again became central to everyday life, while the town’s railway connections remained important for passengers and goods.

George Ellis’ photographs from the 1950s reveal a community emerging from wartime austerity and embracing gradual modernisation. They show a Cornwall of steam trains, independent shops, bustling streets and close-knit communities, a world that feels both distant and familiar.

Discover More

If you’d like to delve deeper into Bodmin’s rich history and heritage, be sure to explore the resources, exhibitions and events offered by St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin Town Museum, Bodmin Keep, and local groups such as Bodmin Then & Now. Together, these organisations help uncover and preserve the stories that have shaped the town over the centuries.

Keep an eye on their websites and event calendars for talks, exhibitions, heritage days and community projects that offer fresh opportunities to discover Bodmin’s fascinating past.

This initiative is proudly supported by Experience Bodmin, a Cornwall Council project, helping local organisations bring heritage, culture and community-focused events to life for residents and visitors alike.