Detail view of the slate plaque on the Ukrainian Cross

Date:
7 Apr 2022
Location:
Ukrainian Cross, Mylor, Mylor Bridge, Cornwall
Reference:
DP324892
Type:
Photograph (Digital)
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Description

The refugees who came to Mylor Bridge in 1947 were just some of the hundreds of Ukrainian men, women and children who found themselves in Cornwall after fleeing violent persecution by the communist regime installed in their home country by the Soviet Army. The refugees were accommodated in a hostel between Mylor Bridge and Restronguet Barton. The site, known locally as ‘the gun sites’ is thought to have been a German prisoner of war sub-camp, although there was also an anti-aircraft base in the area; the hostel would have reused buildings on the site. Many of the refugees were employed as agricultural workers, but some may also have contributed to Cornwall’s mining and fishing industries. They had a strong Orthodox faith and would organise services in a chapel converted from a Nissen hut at the site, with local priests holding services for them. The Ukrainians lived here for around a year, gradually dispersing into permanent accommodation in surrounding villages.

A year after their arrival, the Ukrainian refugees built a cross near to their hostel as a symbol of their gratitude for refuge and also of their strong faith. On 7 June 1948 three Roman Catholic priests blessed the cross and a chapel nearby which had been converted from a Nissen hut.

Content

This is part of the Job: 2K/24695 Ukrainian Cross, Mylor Bridge, Cornwall; within the Volume: VF000197 Historic Building Survey, Planning, Advice and Listing; within the Series: HEC01/026 Historic Building Survey, Planning, Advice and Listing; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England

Rights

© Historic England Archive

People & Organisations

Photographer: Baker, Steven: Historic England

Keywords

Mid 20th Century Commemorative Monument