Jamaica Inn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Jamaica Inn is a free house on the borders of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Built as a coaching house in 1750, it is famous for being the base of smugglers in the past and known as the setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name.[1] 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.
The novel was made into the film Jamaica Inn in 1939 by Alfred Hitchcock.
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.
The hotel is referenced in "Jamaica Inn" a song written by Tori Amos on her album The Beekeeper.
[edit] References
- ^ Paschke, Jean. "The Cornwall of Daphne du Maurier", British Heritage, Weider History Group, March 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
