Redruth
Exploring the Town

London Inn (1776)

The Old Coach House was originally a coaching inn called the London Inn, rebuilt in 1837. Note the sturdy granite columns at the front door and the arched entrance to a stable yard.

The Moody Family

Opposite on the site of the Post Office, is where James Moody (1823-1887) had his photographic studio. His daughters Fanny and Lily were both principal singers for the Carl Rosa Opera Company.

Fanny (18661945) became an international opera singer, being the Prima Donna for the Royal Italian Opera Company, and was known as 'The Cornish Nightingale'.

Previously the Post Office site was known as Jack's Splatt (Jack's Platt) or Coulson's Meadow, where fairs and travelling theatres performed.

Trounson's Store (1870)

On the corner with Alma Place was Samuel & Tom Trouson's high-class grocery store (right). Built for £2,000, its ornate stone and brickwork is topped with carved pinnacles

They were also corn merchants, importing and storing the corn at Truro. Turn left into Alma Place. On the right is the Coffee Tavern (1880) (top right) with its lamb carrying a cross and flag. Built by public subscription to promote temperance, the poor came here for tokens to buy tea, coffee, soup and newspapers. In Edwardian times, Redruth Rugby Football Club players changed here before matches and boys carried the bags and boots of their heroes to the Recreation G r o u n d . Opposite is the back of Trounson's where the old hoist that lifted products into the store is still in place

Go right, down some steps, and at the bottom on the left is the site of the Redruth Market House (187-78). Head right, along Market Strand.