People — The Renals of Cornwall

The men and women of the Renals family whose lives were rooted in the parishes of mid Cornwall across the centuries.

Truro, Cornwall

Roy Frederick Renals

Born and raised at Bazeley's Barn, Lanhydrock. Roy first worked for Sydney Jewell at his quarry near Sladesbridge between Bodmin and Wadebridge. He left that job when he learned that a chap who had worked for the company for a shorter period of time in a less demanding job was being paid more than Roy. The issue was raised with management and when no pay rise was forthcoming Roy left and found work driving lorries long distance. His father-in-law, Alfred Bewes made Roy aware of job vacancies in the Cornwall County Fire Brigade. Roy applied, was successful and became a fireman, what we would today call a firefighter. Husband of Sheila nee Bewes. Children, Andrew James and Lorraine Grace.

Wadebridge, Cornwall

Andrew James Renals

First born son of Roy and Sheila Renals, born in Wadebridge — the town his maternal grandfather Alfred Edgar James Bewes chose to work in as Borough Surveyor for Wadebridge RDC, and where he met and fell in love with Dorothy his grandmother had her roots. Grew up across Cornwall — Penzance, Bodmin, Newquay — following his father's fire service postings. Joined Cornwall County Fire Brigade December 1974. Retired fire service professional, author, and builder of this family history. Husband of Niki née Abbott.

Edwin (Ed, Eddie) John Renals

Born and raised at Bazeleys Barn, Lanhydrock. Civil servant, school teacher. Husband of Brenda nee Julyan. Children, Stephen, Paul(d) and Trevor.

Poplars, Fletchers Bridge

James Renals

Bought Poplars, Fletchers Bridge, from his brother John Runnals. Born c.1818 (Cardinham), died 1901, Bodmin. Father of John Coppin Renals.

John Coppin Renals — "Butcher John"

Son of James Renals. Known within the family as "Butcher John," styled thus in an 1895 lease. Born 1859, Bodmin; died 1931, Fletchers Bridge. Husband of Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Hoskin.

Robert (Bob) Renals

Born and raised at Poplars, Fletchers Bridge, Cardinham. Soldier, Military Medal recipient, survivor of Gallipoli, Palestine and the Somme. Husband of Charlotte Orchard. Children Edwin John Renals(d), Roy Frederick Renals(d).

Jack Renals

Brother of Bob Renals of Poplars. Husband of Betsy Orchard, sister of Charlotte.

Margate, Fletchers Bridge

John Rennals

Brother of James Renals of Poplars. Blacksmith at Margate, one of the named holdings within Fletchers Bridge — the forge building he worked survives today, alongside the former cobbler's shop. Born 1814, died 1894.

Linkinhorn

Captain Francis Renals (1826-1889)

Mine Agent of the East Phoenix and Marke Valley mines, Caradon Hill - and, as confirmed by his own headstone, died at Marke Valley Mine, 1889. A first cousin of James Renals and John Rennals the blacksmith, connecting the Bodmin-area family to the mining communities of east Cornwall.

Orchard Family Connections

Charlotte Orchard

Wife of Bob Renals. One of three sisters recorded singing English Folk songs in the early 1970s. Her voice lives on through Veteran Records VTR119CD.

More People

Further family profiles will be added as research and curation allows.