The Illusory History at Trago Mills

Being partly Cornish, I cannot but help to feel a thrill of satisfaction every time I visit Trago Mills. Nestled amongst the trees in-between Liskeard and Bodmin (the Cornish site, that is), it is a shopping centre that sells pretty much anything one could need. I recently returned there with my daughter, who appears to hold the same fascination that I had when I was a boy: of the sprawling carpets, the notable collection of toys, and the oddly placed gravel packs beside chocolate. But perhaps the most captivating feature of this site are the wide range of statues dotted outside the store.

These statues do not commemorate heroes, but are rather placed in political protest related to the grievances of Mike Robertson, the owner of Trago Mills. These people appear to have displeased Robertson due to disputing the expansion of Trago Mills, or perhaps due to seemingly meddling or opposing his own political stance (which seems on the right of politics).

These statues poke fun at bureaucrats, rather than praise significant figures of military or naval history. There is the one dedicated to Attorney General Michael Havers with the inscription: ‘Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye.’ There is another seemingly against the EU: ‘Nero only fiddled. Eurocrats practice grand larceny’.

All in all, it makes for a strange walk of illusory history. Usually statues are placed as a tribute on behalf of a community (perhaps a town or city, or even a group such as a football club). They praise, rather than criticise. But Liskeard Trago Mills provides a snapshot of grievances – perhaps big and small – from one person. In many ways, I do admire the pettiness of the entire endeavour: having statues created and placed to mock one’s enemies! Whatever your own position in politics, a trip to Trago Mills and a walk amongst these statues is definitely worth a visit.