Redruth Story Group - A Murdoch House Initiative
What does it do?
Redruth was one of the great centres of Cornish tin mining. Redruth story Group's work shows that, whilst the decline of mining, whicih included a significant level of emigration, had a substantial impact on the town, nonetheless Redruth remained a flourishing and prosperous town until the early 1970s.
The Group was founded in November 1996. It undertakes research and mounts exhibitions, which usually coincide with the successful celebration of Redruth as a town and community, Murdoch Day. The group makes a special effort to work with schools and other social institutions in and around Redruth.
Exhibitions
Redruth Story Group mounts an annual exhibition of aspects of Redruth life and society. These attract much interest and the Group takes them into local schools, with a view to ensuring that young people have some insight into the story of their town.
Commerce
- Beringers (1856 - 1999)
- Williamsons (mens' outfitters - 1856)
- West End Drapery Stores
- Terrill & Rogers Foundry
- Smith's Boot and Shoe Factory (Cathedral Boot Co.)
- Redruth Brewery (est. c.1760)
- Wickett & Son (share brokers in tin)
- Lanyon's Gasworks
- The tin mines of Redruth - Wheal Peevor, Wheal Bassett, Wheal Uny, Wheal Sparnon.
Places
- Alma Place
- Fore Street
- Clinton Road
- Murdoch House
- School of Mines (Clinton Road)
- Penarth, Clinton Road
- Pednandrea Stack
- Pednandrea House
- Redruth Library
- Redruth chapels and churches
- Redruth Station and railways
- Transport systems and electric tramway
Social
- Card indexing Kelly's Directory 1856-1939
- State and private schools
- Emigration from Redruth
- Social histories
- Biographies of Redruth people
- Gas lighting
- Redruth photographers
- The fires of Redruth
Biography
- William Murdoch (1754 - 1853)
- James Hicks (architect)
- Percy Hailey (retained fireman)
- Thomas Merritt (composer)
Redruth Story Group is always interested in new themes for exhibitions. All research is undertaken by group members.
The future
The Group will continue to research and document the history of Redruth and its people and to promote community interest, participation and events, maintaining an ongoing project to involve people in remembering and recording their life stories and experiences.
Contact Redruth Story Group
If you would like to share recollections/knowledge, to join the Redruth Story Group or to find out more, please contact:
Joan Biscoe
Hon. Secretary R.S.G.
'Penpol'
3 Truro Vean Terrace
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 1HA
Tel: +44 (0) 1872 276474