Triggshire


The hundred of Trigg was one of ten ancient administrative shires of Cornwall—see "Hundreds of Cornwall".
Trigg is mentioned by name during the 7th century, as "Pagus Tricurius", "land of three war hosts". It was to the north of Cornwall, and included Bodmin Moor, Bodmin and the district to the west and north of the Moor. The high incidence of imported pottery from the period found at Tintagel Castle suggests that this was an area of high significance, where war bands from the region may have congregated.
The name may be cognate with that of Trégor in Brittany, now northwest France. The same name is used for the ecclesiastical deaneries of Trigg Major and Trigg Minor which between them cover a wider area. Since 1874 they have been within the Archdeaconry of Bodmin, and since 1876 within the Diocese of Truro.
The parishes of Triggshire consisted of Bodmin, Blisland, St Breward, Egloshayle, St Endellion, Helland, St Kew, St Mabyn, St Minver, St Teath, Temple, St Tudy.

Modern usage

The name Triggshire has been adopted by different clubs and organizations in the area. Triggshire Wind Orchestra, an amateur orchestra for wind players primarily from Sir James Smith's School, Wadebridge School, Budehaven School, however some students from Bodmin College and Launceston College also attend. The orchestra was set up in 1984. After the success of the wind orchestra, Triggshire String Orchestra was set up, to cater for the string players from these schools.
Trigg Morris are a long established Morris Dancing club.

Literature

The historian Sir John Maclean came from Trehudreth in Blisland and his "Parochial History of the Deanery of Trigg Minor" in 3 volumes is the most detailed work of parochial history which deals with Cornwall. It was published in parts intended for binding as three volumes: there was also a separate edition of the part on Blisland.