Redruth
Exploring the Town

Mining Exchange (1880)

The proximity to the railway station (1852) attracted many dealers to this part of town. The Mining Exchanga (right) replaced Tabb's Hotel (since demolished) in Fore Street where mining business and ticketing (or bidding) for copper and tine took place. Mine Captains were fined for swearing here, the proceeds going to the Miners' Hospital at West End. To the left is the Purser of Wheal Peevor's office (1880) and to the right, the former Bain & Field's Bank (1880) and the Post Office (destroyed by fire in 1982) which reopens in 201 as the Cornwall Centre.

Abbott & Wickett (1880) & the Malayan Tin Dredging Company (1891)

Go up Station Road. Opposite the railway station, the two single-storey offices traded in stocks and shares; their customers were met at the station. Look for 'GWR 1888' on the railway bridge and the Victorian waiting room on the downside platform.

Continue up the hill to Wesley Chapel (1826). Walk 300 yards up Wesley Street, looking out for a lane on the right with lines of granite setts. This was the terminus of the Redruth & Chasewater Railway

(18241915). Return down Wesley Street. Note the last building on the right, once the Railway Inn (1840). Cross back over the road to the top of Fore Street. The three-storey gothic Tudor building built in 1892 on your right was the Williamson's house whose clothing shop next door was one of the town's oldest businesses. Shute Row further down is named after a water source for the town. Look above the shopfronts to see the grandeur of the 19th century buildings.

Flowerpot Car Park is on the site of the United Free Methodist Chapel (Flowerpot Chapel, 1865), destroyed by fire in 1973. The decorative urns from its roof now adorn the gateposts of Victoria Park. Opposite was the Wesleyan Association Chapel (1839), now Jim's Cash & Carry.