Polgaver Naturist Bay

From the collection of

The Box
Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Polgaver Naturist Bay


Cornwall's first nudist beach is officially inaugurated.

Cornwall's first official nudist beach Polgaver Naturist Bay is opened by the comedian Freddie Starr under the watchful eye of the local press and with the blessing of the Cornwall Tourist Board. Polgaver Beach used to be one of the most popular nudist beaches in the area but redevelopment to create the new beachside village of Carlyon Beach has seen the naturists all but disappear. The beaches of Polgaver, Shorthorn and Crinnis make up Carlyon Bay in St Austell.

Freddie Starr came to prominence as a comedian and impressionist in 1970 after appearing on the television programme Opportunity Knocks, booking him a place in that year's Royal Variety Performance. He is best known for his chaotic stand up routines which he performed on television and stage and which he toured regularly to entertain British Forces deployed overseas.


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