Banking in Cornwall Part 3: The early Cornish Bank, 1771-1830

In part 2, John Dirring related how regular institutionalized banking in Cornwall began with the Miners’ Bank in Truro in 1771. He now continues with the story of the Cornish Bank, established very soon afterwards. Prominent in its earlier years was Francis Basset of Tehidy (Lord de Dunstanville), whose monument on Carn Brea (seen here)…Continue Reading “Banking in Cornwall Part 3: The early Cornish Bank, 1771-1830”

Working Underground at South Crofty Mine

(Sketch: Mike Ricks)   Mike Ricks brings us his evocative story of the time when he was a Cornish miner. Reading this leaves you in no doubt about the harsh conditions underground and perhaps goes some way to helping us understand the extraordinary camaraderie developed by those who laboured there.                                                                                    The contrast couldn’t…Continue Reading “Working Underground at South Crofty Mine”

Susan Coney brings us the history of N Gill and Son, arguably, the leading retailer and manufacturer of drapery, ladies and gentlemen’s attire and house furnishing in Truro for 120 years, from 1833 to 1953. The owners, especially William Nicholas Gill and his son Arthur William Gill, were prominent and philanthropic members of the Truro…Continue Reading “N Gill and Son – a very successful Truro Family Business for 120 years”