The claim
The only pub in the granite moorland village of Zennor, the Tinners Arms claims to have been built in 1271 for the masons of St Senara's church, home of the Mermaid of Zennor bench. The present building is more likely 18th century. D.H. Lawrence stayed here in 1916, and folk nights still fill its panelled, fire-warmed bar.
What the records show
The pub says it was built in 1271 for masons working on St Senara's church, but CAMRA's heritage survey of the Grade II building dates the fabric to the early 18th century. Earlier drinking use on the site is unproven. A second publisher adds a little on each side: John Hobson Matthews, in his history of the parishes of St Ives, Lelant, Towednack and Zennor (1892), dates the south side of the nave at Zennor church to the 13th century, which is the century the masons story needs, and indexes the district's inns by name without the Tinners Arms among them.
What to look for inside
- D.H. Lawrence and Frieda lodged here in 1916
- Near St Senara's church and the Mermaid of Zennor chair
- Thursday folk music sessions
Visiting
The Tinners Arms is in Zennor, England, at Zennor, St Ives TR26 3BY. We do not list opening times, because they change; the pub’s own site is the place to check before you set out.
Sources
- camra.org.uk/pubs/139351
- tinnersarms.com/
- www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/cornwall/22612692.cornwalls-oldest-pubs-13-historic-inns-need-visit/
- ratings.food.gov.uk/business/926675
- archive.org/details/ahistoryparishe00mattgoog
- historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1137980
Know something we don’t?Suggest a correctionLast checked Oct 2026
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