Jamaica Inn

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For the Daphne du Maurier novel, see Jamaica Inn (novel). For the Alfred Hitchcock film based upon that novel, see Jamaica Inn (film).

Inn sign in 2006

The Jamaica Inn is a free house on the borders of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Famous for being the base of smugglers in the past, it is most commonly known as the setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel by the same name. The young author was inspired to write her novel when, having gone horseriding on the moors she became lost in thick fog and sought refuge at the inn; whilst recovering from her ordeal the local rector is supposed to have entertained her with ghost stories and tales of smuggling; he would later become the inspiration for the enigmatic character of the Vicar of Altarnun.

It is rumoured to be haunted and has featured in an episode of the British TV programme, Most Haunted, on the TV channel LIVINGtv. Notable apparitions include a malevolent figure of a highwayman in a tri-cornered hat, an anguished young mother and her baby and the spirit of a young smuggler who is believed to have been murdered and who has been seen sitting on the wall in the courtyard.

Until quite recently the building housed a large collection of stuffed animals (see Taxidermy) in complex dioramas, such as an animal courthouse or school classroom comprised of baby squirrels.These exhibits were original Victorian creations and although popular in their day are now viewed as being somewhat macabre; that in no way affected their value when the collection went up for auction and made quite a considerable amount of money.

Jamaica Inn has retained its other attraction, a display of various items owned by du Maurier, including her writing desk and typewriter.

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Singer Tori Amos paid tribute to the Inn in her song "Jamaica Inn" on her 2005 album The Beekeeper. Analysis of the lyrics would indicate that the singer has also drawn on du Maurier's other famous Cornish novel, Rebecca, as, like the book, the song concentrates on the anxieties of a woman who lives in the shadow of her lover's previous companion.