Truro, Cornish capital
Truro has been a settlement since the Norman period of the 11th century, and is the southernmost city in the UK. The city’s name derives from the Cornish for “three rivers” — the Truro River flows from the confluence of the rivers Kenwyn and Allen.
Originally prosperous as a result of its thriving fishing industry, Truro also became a centre for locally mined tin and copper, giving it a reputation as a stannary town.
In 1860, a rail link was established, and trains still run directly to London Paddington today. The city was known in the 18th and 19th centuries as “the London of Cornwall”, gaining this reputation from its fine Georgian and Victorian terraces. Indeed, it has been argued that some of the architecture equals the grandeur of the city of Bath.
Truro is proud of its famous Gothic style Cathedral, which was built over a 30 year period and completed in 1910. Other notable buildings include the Royal Cornwall Museum, erected in 1845, and the Courts of Justice, which were constructed in 1846 from Carn Brea granite.
Truro is home to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall County Council and Truro College. It has developed as a major market town and a popular destination for nightlife, drawing regular visitors from all around the area.
The city also hosts a regular Winter Festival which culminates with a firework display on New Year’s Eve.
Famous Truronians include Roger Taylor from the rock band Queen.