A-Z of Truro: Places-People-History

Truro is an ancient town but a young city. It has gone from a medieval market town to a thriving port and a stannary town. Its medieval street plan contains many narrow passageways or 'opes, and many of its interesting buildings still remain despite much modern development. Two developments in the twentieth century changed the look of Truro forever: the arrival of the railway and the construction of the sixteen-arch viaduct and the three spires of the country's first Anglican cathedral. In A-Z of Truro, author John Husband embarks on an engaging alphabetical journey through the city's history, visiting the places, buildings, and streets that are significant and intriguing and discovering the stories behind them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Truro, nestled between the serene Allen and Kenwyn rivers, boasts a rich history while exuding a vibrant youthful spirit. Spanning from its initial charter as Cornwall's first town in 1130 to the groundbreaking ceremony for the county's sole cathedral in 1880, Truro has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially a bustling medieval market town, it evolved into a thriving port, benefiting from the riches of Cornwalls mining industry. The city's architectural landscape was greatly influenced by the elegant Georgian buildings, giving it a distinct resemblance to Bath, while its medieval street plan, characterized by narrow passageways known as "opes," still retains many fascinating remnants of its past. However, when Truro's shipping trade was usurped by Falmouth, the river silted up, limiting access to the Town Quay during high tide.

By the turn of the twentieth century, two significant developments forever altered the city's landscape. The arrival of the railway brought with it the awe-inspiring sixteen-arch viaduct, spanning the city's panoramic expanse from east to west. In front of this architectural marvel stand the three spires of the country's first Anglican cathedral since St. Paul's, a testament to Truro's cultural significance. In his captivating book, "A-Z of Truro," author John Husband embarks on an engaging alphabetical journey through the city's history. He explores the places, buildings, and streets that hold immense historical and intriguing value, unveiling the captivating stories behind them. Along the way, Husband introduces the reader to some of Truro's renowned sons and daughters, including the adventurous explorer Richard Lander and his brother John, who were among the first Europeans to trace the course of the River Niger. The book also delves into the origins of amusingly named places such as Squeeze Guts Alley and Walsingham Place, as well as the Festival of Lights, which adds a vibrant touch to Truro's rich tapestry.

Through meticulously illustrated pages, "A-Z of Truro" provides a captivating insight into the history of Cornwall's county town. It serves as a valuable resource for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into the city's past and its remarkable transformation over the centuries. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or simply seeking an enjoyable read, this book is a must-have for anyone who wishes to explore the fascinating heritage of Truro.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 166 x 232 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445696416