CW60 INSPIRE p36 - Mexico:Layout 1 29/9/08 14:35 Page 39
mexico and cornwall
From 1825, until the beginning of the 20th century
many Cornish mining families settled in the area and
eventually died there. Above the town of Real del
Monte is the Cornish cemetery containing some 760
graves the vast majority of which commemorate
Cornish miners, their families and descendents. The
cemetery is still in use today by those descendents.
Over the years the cemetery had fallen into disrepair
and the British Society in Mexico, along with the town
of Real del Monte, have been working together to
restore it to its former glory. The leading light in the
restoration is Bridget Estavillio, nee Galsworthy.
Bridget has strong connections with Cornwall and her
brother is Vice Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.
The highlight of the visit was the Silver Festival at
Real del Monte. Led by the Giles Paxman the day
started with the rededication of the cemetery using
Cornish water from Poldark Mine, Wendron. Names
such as Rule, Skewes, Pengelly, Hosking, Pascoe
Straffon and Rowe are common amongst the
The Cornish group visit the cemetery.
headstones. A plaque in memory of the many Some facts on the Cornish in Mexico
Cornish miners who worked at Real del Monte, Francis Rule, of Camborne, was known as El Rey de la Plata (The Silver King).
donated by the Cornish Mexican Cultural Society A mining entrepreneur and millionaire by today's standards, Rule financed the
and the Mayor of Redruth, was unveiled by Richard construction of a bank, a French renaissance style private residence, two
Williams and the president of Real del Monte. hotels and the impressive El Reloj clock in Pachuca to celebrate 100 years of
A wreath was laid at the Miners’ Monument by Mexican Independence. This impressive timepiece chimes to the tune of Big
Richard Williams on behalf of the citizens of Ben. Rule was renowned for his generosity towards his adopted home.
Cornwall. The group was joined by the governor of The national game of football was first played in Mexico by Cornish miners at
Hidalgo and the town’s Silver Festival officially Pachuca in 1900, a fact that is celebrated each year. The first team consisted
opened. There was a truly amazing variety of silver of Charles Dawe, John Dawe, James Bennetts, John Bennetts, William
was on display and the town was packed with Blamey, Richard Sobey, William Bragg, William Thomas, Percy Bunt, Lionel
visitors. As is usual in this area, known as Mexico’s Bunt, Albert Pangelly and William Pengelly; a decidedly ‘Cornish’ team.
little Cornwall, pasties were the food of the day. The Cornish community brought with them Methodism, a contentious issue in a
The visit of the society has had positive results. It Catholic country. For years there was no adequate provision for their faith,
has raised awareness both in Cornwall and Mexico people meeting in one another's homes for prayer, until Francis Rule built a Neo-
of the historic links between the communities. Gothic style Methodist chapel. The Cornish were not permitted to be buried in
Interest has been so great in Mexico that Ricardo the Catholic cemetery being Protestant so a separate cemetery was acquired.
Ludlow of Pachuca has formed a chapter of the It was customary for the Cornish to leave chapel on Sunday and stroll around
Cornish Mexican Cultural Society there. The State Independence Square dressed in their Sunday best. Many of the men liked to
Government of Hidalgo, the state in which Pachuca retire to the bar of either the Hotel de los Baños or the Gran Hotel Grenfell, to
and Real del Monte are situated, is seeking to drink together and sing Cornish songs and hymns.
develop closer links with Cornwall. The University of A Cornish wrestling match in Mexico City attracted thousands of spectators in
Hidalgo is also seeking links with the Cornwall 1892 when 'Schiller' Williams beat a San Franciscan wrestler, much to the
Campus of Exeter University and the city of Veracruz delight of the hundreds of Cornishmen present.
wishes to link with Falmouth. In Cornwall, the names of Real del Monte and Pachuca were well known.
Cornwall looks forward to being able to repay Houses named Hidalgo and Acosta existed and the high streets of Camborne
some of the wonderful hospitality received when and Redruth. Cornish miners returning from Mexico sporting sombreros and
some of the Mexican hosts visit Cornwall next year. ponchos at first drew bemused looks from locals who gradually became used
to seeing Mexican dress. Spanish was often heard in the bars and streets of
For more information on the Cornish Cultural Society Camborne and Redruth, just as the tunes of Wesley were hummed by Mexicans
visit www.cornish-mexico.org who liked to listen to the Cornish miners singing in the bars in Pachuca.
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