The Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch library returns to Fowey
Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch
After Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch died, his daughter, Foy, left his library to the town of Fowey.
For many years, Fowey had its own town library in a purpose-built location just beyond Caffa Mill, on the road leaving Fowey. In an upstairs room, you would find Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's library accessible for anyone to use for their research. Sir Arthur's library comprised many books that he had written or introduced himself, plus some books written by his sisters Lilian and Mabel Quiller-Couch. There were also books that belonged to Sir Arthur but were not written by him. These comprise mainly books on Cornwall and Cornish history, some biographies, and some books relating specifically to Fowey.
The collection is vast and comprises some important and interesting Cornish books.
Sadly, a few years ago, Cornwall Council closed Fowey Library, and Sir Arthur's books were packed up and put into storage until such time as they could be put on display again.
Recently, the old football pavilion at Squires Field in Fowey has undergone a huge refurbishment and has now been transformed into an office for Fowey Town Council, a Micro Library and a small room to accommodate Sir Arthur's books.
Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's book cabinet one
Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's books - cabinet two
We are delighted to be able to tell you that we have now got all Sir Arthur's books unpacked and restored to the shelves, so they are available again for anyone to look at, read and use in research. For security reasons, the books can't be withdrawn from the library, but people can use them during the library's opening hours.
The library is currently open:
• Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm
• Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm
• Thursdays from 10am to 1pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 12 noon
Fowey Library
The Pavilion
Langurtho Road
PL23 1EQ
Ann Willmore, August 2025