William Murdoch
A Man to be Remembered

The reputation of inventor William Murdoch reflects, in some ways, the fortunes of Redruth. Murdoch was an engineer and inventor who lived in Redruth from 1782-1798. He is best known for the invention of domestic gas lighting - other successes include a working model of a lowpressure steam locomotive, and a process for clearing beer.

Murdoch House, the building in which he lived, has been restored over a period of time, and currently houses Redruth Old Cornwall Society, the Cornish Global Migration Programme, Redruth Story Group, and is used as a centre by artistic and cultural groups.

The buildings within the town retain much of the character of its mining heyday. However, modern developments are taking place in the town, which have been able to retain the original facades and identities. One such building is the recently crated St Rumon's Gardens. Next door to Mudoch House, this original chapel turned cinema,

now houses a small secluded garden in the centre of the town. Another building recently renovated is the West End Drapery Stores, once one of the largest retails in the county. This has been developed retaining much of the original characteristics, one small part houses an IT learning suite. Tweedy's Bank, is now home to the Town Council and Kerrier Homes Trust which looks after the areas council housing and to the Redruth Old Cornwall

society Interpretation Centre which will display many of the town artefacts. This magnificent building has seen much internal change but no external differences. The Community Centre, built around the turn of the century, has recently been developed into a modern community facility, including computer suite, bar facilities, and after school childcare. The Cornish Studies Library originally situated in Clinton Road, is now found in the old Post Office Building in Alma Place. With improved facilities to deal with the 30,000 or more visitors per year. Aligned with this will be an area for small specialist shops, a local market and an information centre. During the summer months flowers are abundant in the town through the hard work of Redruth-in-Bloom, with hanging baskets, and floral displays in and around every corner. Other areas include environmental improvements to the 'ope's' (Cornish for 'alleyway') and open spaces, which have been landscaped, making Redruth a very pleasant place to live, work, and visit.