Five Million Tides

Biography of the Helford River

By: Christian Boulton

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Paperback | 21 September 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
256 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.9

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An unashamed eulogy to an exquisite body of water, Five Million Tides tells the story of Cornwall’s Helford River from the Mesolithic to the dawning of the twenty-first century.

Beginning with prehistoric pioneers and their megalithic successors, this account goes on to expose a remarkable truth: the Helford became one of the most significant waterways in Europe during the Iron Age and Roman periods.

Despite being mainland Britain's most southerly haven, it has not always been a place of good fortune. Once a thriving seat of Celtic Christianity, it would end up more associated with villainous seafarers. Nor could it be always relied upon for sanctuary from storms, as the numerous graves of mariners in its village churchyards attest. Although now overshadowed by its more famous siblings - the Fal, Fowey, Tamar and Dart - the Helford truly is the enigmatic beauty of the family whose rich past deserves wider knowledge.

30 colour images

About the Author

Christian Boulton studied environmental biology before later studying journalism as a postgraduate, a subject he taught at Falmouth University for over 10 years. He has previously managed community radio broadcasts, and has also written for numerous publications including Period House, Cornwall Today, and the Packet Series of newspapers. He founded an online travel guide to the Helford River (Helford Hotels) and lives in Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth.

Industry Reviews

A magnificent celebration of one of Cornwall's least understood rivers - a book that deserves to be treasured by every lover of this magical landscape and its wealth of extraordinary human stories. -- Dr Rowan Whimster MBE
Five Million Tides, with its ebbs and floods, encapsulates the diverse history of the iconic Helford River and its many creeks. Recognised for stunning scenery and unique ecology system, the river is one of Cornwall's hidden gems stretching from sea to the ancient port of Gweek -- David Barnicoat

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