Redruth

The Redruth we see today is almost wholly a product of the last 250 years. It owed its growth to its good fortune in lying at the centre of what was in the 1700s one of the richest parts of land in the world. It was the deep mining of copper after the 1730s, which catapulted Redruth out of its status of quiet market town - in reality a village. Formerly overshadowed by its neighbours of Truro, Helston and Falmouth, it became one of the major urban centres in Cornwall.

Surprisingly little evidence remains of the intense mining activity at the foot of Carn Brea, where old photographs show scores of smoking chimney stacks. Yet Redruth and its surrounding district gave to the world, not only a vital material, but also a legacy of engineering innovation through the work of men such as Watt, Murdoch and Trevithick. And there is a rich and varied architectural heritage to enjoy today, making Redruth, with its memories of the miners’ hard lives, a special Cornish town.

From the top of Fore Street it’s only a short step to the Pednandrea chimney stack, which has stood sentinel over the town since 1824 from its position behind Sea View Terrace. It was originally a lot higher, with four brick sections later removed. Pednandrea is a visual reminder of Redruth’s reliance on the local mining economy in times past.

Fore Street, site of the town clock, continues to be the main shopping street of Redruth, with its interesting and varied architecture it is the perfect location for La Belle, one of the south west of England’s leading specialists in original Art Deco furniture, lighting, ceramics, bakelite telephones etc.

Its owners, Danny and Michelle Everard have been sourcing furnishings and effects for their client base who visit from all over the country and abroad since 1991. With clients travelling from near and far, new stock items are introduced to the showroom daily and all are original period pieces mainly from the 1920s and 30s.

Step through La Belle’s showroom door and your senses will be bombarded by a beauty that thrills, an elegance that entrances and the nostalgic atmosphere that relaxes. With wonderful displays and particular attention to detail, La Belle transports you into an era of sophistication and style with abundance!

The Lamb and Flag Emblem used by the Redruth Town Council as the emblem for the town, was a mark used by Cornish tin smelting works to stamp their ingots of tin. The origin of this symbol is difficult to pin down but it seems to have been first used in the woollen trade in the middle ages. By the 1800s it was being suggested that the lamb represented purity, obviously a good selling point for the local tin smelters who had adopted the emblem.

Overlooking Redruth and reaching up to 738 feet above sea level is Carn Brea. The carn can be seen from most high ground in Cornwall and its monument on top easily picked out. Conversely the view from the top of the Carn takes in both coasts and a good deal of both Camborne and Redruth districts.

Conveniently located on the A30 slip road at Scorrier and close to all the amenities that Redruth has to offer is The Plume of Feathers, where you can always be assured of a very warm welcome.

Its convivial atmosphere is perfect for socialising or simply enjoying a quiet drink. A well stocked bar offers a wide selection of ales, lagers, spirits and fine wines, and the attractive, cosy restaurant offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared, home cooked food available all day. All dishes are made to order, using local produce where possible. There is a delicious selection of traditional English dishes and some mouth-watering desserts. Comfortable accommodation is also available in the form of two tastefully decorated and furnished en-suite family rooms.