Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall 1967

Perched amidst the wild and windswept landscapes of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, the Jamaica Inn stands as one of England’s most famous coaching inns, steeped in history, mystery, and folklore.

Origins and Location

Dating back to the 18th century, Jamaica Inn was established in 1750 as a coaching inn—a rest stop for horse-drawn coaches and their passengers traveling between the towns of Bodmin and Liskeard. Its remote moorland location made it a vital shelter on the often treacherous routes across Bodmin Moor, an area known for its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain.

Smugglers’ Haven

The inn’s reputation is deeply entwined with tales of smuggling. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Cornwall’s isolated coastline and moorlands were hotspots for smuggling contraband goods such as brandy, tobacco, and tea to avoid heavy customs duties. Jamaica Inn is said to have been a notorious meeting place for smugglers and wreckers who operated under the cover of darkness, luring ships onto the rocks to plunder their cargo.

Literary Fame

Jamaica Inn’s fame was cemented by Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel, Jamaica Inn, which fictionalized the inn as the centre of a dark smuggling ring. The book captured the eerie atmosphere of the moor and the inn’s shadowy past, drawing tourists and literary fans alike to experience the haunting setting firsthand.

Modern-Day Jamaica Inn

Today, Jamaica Inn operates as a hotel, restaurant, and museum, preserving its rich heritage while welcoming visitors seeking a taste of Cornwall’s dramatic history. The museum houses artifacts from the smuggling era, including old coffers, flintlocks, and tales from local folklore.