Truro is one of the central hubs in Cornwall, with great independent shops, a rich history, highly recommended restaurants and a great variety of events on offer, there is plenty to do while you are there. If you are thinking of visiting the vibrant city while staying in your luxury family cottage holidays, Cornwall and would like to find out a little more then you have come to the right place, we are here to provide you with six of the most fascinating facts about Truro.
1. The only city in Cornwall
When you hear the word city it is easy to imagine an expansive, urban jungle with high risers and bright lights but that is not what to expect when you come to Truro. The city is famous for its ancient, cobbled and narrow streets with a range of stunning architecture featuring Gothic and Georgian styles. It gained the city status in 1877, but the building of the cathedral didn’t begin until three years later. Truro’s location allows visitors to only ever be a short drive to the heritage coast, surrounding countryside and idyllic villages.
2. The city population is just under 20,000
For a city, the population of Truro is relatively small at just under 20,000, comparatively the nearby town of Falmouth has the larger population of 22,000. The largest proportion of the city’s population are over 60, it is a great place for retirement, although in recent years there has been an influx of businesses and young entrepreneurs coming to the area.
3. Truro used to have a castle
There are very few remains left of the 12th-century structure as the land where it would have proudly stood was used as a cattle market and crown court of justice during the centuries after.
4. The city cathedral
One of the first things to get your attention when approaching and entering Truro is the magnificent spires of the city cathedral. The building of the structure began in 1880 on the same site of an existing church, part of the original church was incorporated into the cathedral, and the walls of it can still be seen today. Edward White Benson was the first bishop of Truro following the Diocese, and it was him who inspired the build. When looking at the building, its gothic style would lead you to believe that it is medieval but, it was actually completed during the late Victorian era using what was at the time, very modern construction methods.
5. The tin trade and port history in Truro
There is evidence of settlements in Truro which date to the Bronze Age, but it was the tin and copper trade that brought growth and prosperity to what was then a town. It was during the 14th century that the port was established, metals from the surrounding mining towns were transported from Truro, to overseas. Truro became the central hub in Cornwall and beyond for trading in tin but also slate, copper, cloth and grain.
6. The name and the city’s rivers
The name Truro is claimed to come from the Cornish word ‘Tri-ver’ which means three rivers. The Kenwyn, the Allen and the Tinney rivers come together to form the Truro River. The Collins English Dictionary defines Truro as ‘the administrative centre of Cornwall.’