Five Million Tides

Five Million Tides is the story of Cornwall's Helford River from the Stone Age to the dawning of the twenty-first century. From prehistoric pioneers and their megalithic successors, this account goes on to expose a remarkable truth: the Helford became one of Europe's most significant waterways during the Iron Age and Roman periods. Despite being mainland Britain's southernmost safe haven, it has not always been a place of good fortune - once a thriving seat of Celtic Christianity the river would ultimately become more synonymous with lawless seafarers. Nor could it be relied upon for sanctuary from every storm, as the graves of mariners in its village churchyards attest. Although now overshadowed by its more famous sibling estuaries, the Helford is an enigmatic beauty of the family whose rich past deserves wider knowledge.

Christian Boulton has lived close to the shores of the Helford River for over thirty years. During this time he has continually explored its creeks, coves, woodlands, paths and lanes, developing a profound love for its unique landscape in the process. Five Million Tides is a synthesis born of this fascination with its natural and historic environments. After graduating in Environmental Biology at the University of Liverpool he went on to study Broadcast Journalism at postgraduate level, subsequently lecturing at Falmouth University for almost ten years. He has also enjoyed time in the music business as a songwriter and performer, and positions as a parish councillor and primary school governor.