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Redruth Town Centre - Photo:
Tony Atkin
CCL |
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Stone-built
Redruth came to the fore in the 18th century
when there was a sudden demand for copper. It
quickly became one of the largest and richest
mining areas in the country.
William Murdoch (1754–1839), a founding father
of gas lighting, lived here and as early as
1792 is said to have used gas to light his
house. In nearby Saltash stands Isambard
Kingdom Brunel’s remarkable Royal Albert
Bridge, opened in 1859 to carry the railway
across the River Tamar. The cottage of Mary
Newman, wife to Sir Francis Drake, can also be
found in Saltash. |
