Our History

The Helford River has been known for its oysters since the 12th century and has been one of Britain’s very few private fisheries since the early 17th century. The Duchy of Cornwall acquired the fishing rights from a local landowner at the turn of the 20th century, since when the oysterage became known as the Duchy of Cornwall Oyster Farm.

In 1923, The Prince of Wales attended the Port Navas regatta, entertained by Sydney Hodges, the manager of the Oyster Farm. Sydney’s grandson, Leonard, entertained Prince Charles some 50 years later and the Port Navas regatta is still held every summer on the Oyster Farm quay.

The Duchy of Cornwall Oyster Farm is recommended in Rick Stein’s Guide to Food Heroes of Great Britain.