Blackwater is a small village in the county of Cornwall, South West England. It lies within the civil parish of St Stephen‑in‑Brannel, approximately 3 kilometres (2 mi) north‑east of the town of St Austell. The settlement is situated on the A391 road, which connects St Austell with the villages of St Dennis and Bodmin Moor.
Location and Administration
- Country: England
- Region: South West England
- County: Cornwall (unitary authority)
- Civil parish: St Stephen‑in‑Brannel
- Constituency: St Ives (UK Parliament)
- Post town: ST AUSTELL
- Postcode district: PL25
Geography
Blackwater is positioned on the banks of the Blackwater River, a minor watercourse that flows eastward to join the River Par. The surrounding landscape is characterised by gently undulating farmland, remnants of historic tin‑working sites, and a mixture of residential and agricultural land use.
History
The name “Blackwater” derives from the dark‑coloured waters of the local river, a description historically associated with the mineral‑rich runoff from nearby tin and china‑clay mining activities. The village developed principally in the 19th century, expanding alongside the regional mining industry and later the associated agricultural settlement patterns.
Demographics
Detailed population figures for Blackwater alone are not published separately in the most recent census; demographic data are aggregated within the St Stephen‑in‑Brannel civil parish, which recorded a population of approximately 2 200 residents in the 2021 Census.
Amenities and Community Facilities
- Education: Blackwater Community Primary School serves local children aged 4–11.
- Retail: The village hosts a small convenience shop and a post office.
- Recreation: A community hall and playing fields provide venues for local events and sports.
Transport
- Road: The A391 provides road links to St Austell, St Dennis, and the broader Cornwall road network.
- Public transport: Bus services operated by local providers connect Blackwater with St Austell and surrounding villages, offering regular weekday routes.
Notable Features
- Blackwater River: The river lends its name to the village and contributes to local flood‑plain ecology.
- Heritage: Proximity to former mining sites links the village to Cornwall’s industrial heritage, though specific historic structures within Blackwater are limited.
No additional encyclopedic sources provide further distinctive information about Blackwater, Cornwall.