Cornwall is the southernmost county in England, covering a geographical area of approximately 1,370 square miles. It is bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon.

 

                 

 

An important landmark in southern Cornwall is the Lizard Peninsula, which measures approximately 14 square miles. This rocky coastline is particularly hazardous, and is known as the 'Graveyard of Ships'. The Lizard has a long association with smuggling and piracy, a history that lives on in the names of its caves and coves, such as 'Dollar Cove'. Legend and folklore abound, with many stories of buried treasure still told. Such legends inspired Daphne du Maurier's 'Jamaica Inn'. 

 

 

 

Part of the novel is set in Devon, the neighbouring county to Cornwall. Both counties are popular holiday destinations for English tourists due to their idyllic countryside and mild climate. In Victorian times, with the coming of the railway, seaside holidays became fashionable for families who yearned to escape the cities. Cornwall and Devon, with their beaches, coves, inlets and countryside, offered the perfect package.

 

               

The Cotswolds, referred to as 'The Heart of England', cover an area of approximately 90 by 25 miles. The hilly terrain forms a rugged, romantic landscape and has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much loved by walkers and naturalists, the Cotswolds have inspired artists, writers and musicians, including Jane Austen and Gustav Holst.

Cotswold counties include Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

 

 

 

 

Founded by the Romans, London is the largest city in Europe. It is the capital of the United Kingdom and a multi-cultural metropolis with over 300 languages spoken in its streets.

 

The Shell Seekers focuses on wartime London:

 

 

See also: 1940s Style and Fashion

Ibiza is one of Spain's Balearic Islands, and lies nearly 80km from the mainland. It is also known as 'La Isla Blanca' or 'White Island'. The landscape is similar to Cornwall, with towering rugged cliffs, cove beaches and hidden caves.

 

 

The island is a popular destination for holidaymakers and clubbers, with its many beaches and nightclubs. Off the beaten track, in the poorer rural areas, Ibiza retains its traditions and old ways of life, farming olives and almonds, and keeping livestock.

 

  Porthkerris is a private shingle beach popular with divers. It is situated on the Lizard peninsula and is within swimming distance of Dwana reef. A popular dive is the Manacle Rocks, the site of many shipwrecks.

 

Designed in 1828, Marble Arch is a monument made from white Italian marble. It is sited at the junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane and Edgware Road in London, England.

 

 

The arch was originally erected at Buckingham Palace, and members of the Royal Family would pass through it in ceremonial procession. In 1851, the arch was moved to its present location, and three small rooms within the arch were used as a police station until 1950.

The sanatorium at Tehidy was an isolation hospital in Cornwall, initially for patients with tuberculosis. In later years it dealt with other illnesses.

The hospital was originally converted from the home of the Basset family, who had obtained the 'Manor of Tehidy' in the middle of the 12th century.

The hospital closed in 1986, and was converted into luxury apartments. 250 acres of woodland and recreational facilities are available for visitors.

 

 

Penzance is a town and port in Cornwall. It enjoys a temperate climate, warmer than most of Britain because it faces southeast onto the English Channel and is sheltered by Mounts Bay. The population exceeds 21,000, and this more than doubles during summer when Penzance overflows with tourists.