Lostwithiel Museum

Go back seven centuries and Lostwithiel was Cornwall's capital and a port of national importance, exporting tin, wool and hides. Nearby Restormel Castle was the Black Prince's county seat from 1358. Three centuries on, the ruins of the Duchy Palace are mute testimony to the enduring importance of the town in the Civil War.

There are other, less stark signs of Lostwithiel's place and purpose in history: the dedication of the old church to St Bartholomew, the patron saint of tanners; the old Tudor bridge built to take the wagons across the Fowey; lovely old Taprell House and the fine Guildhall, built in 1740 and now home to a museum which pulls together all the threads of war and peace.

There can be few museums housed in gaols, but this was the original purpose of the three large ground-floor rooms which house the exhibits.

Rare photographs capture the changes in the town and its people from the earliest days of the camera. There are displays of agricultural and domestic implements alongside textiles, minerals, weapons and artefacts from Lostwithiel's chequered past.

The largest and most dramatic display is the town's original hand-pumped, 18th century fire engine, the most poignant, the Town Sergeant's cloak, riddled with bullet-holes. All human life is here, from a long period in Cornish history when it was short and hard, but never dull.

FACTFILE

Directions

Take the A390 from St Austell into the town centre of Lostwithiel. Past the traffic lights turn right into Fore Street. The Museum is on the right.

Opening Times

Open daily, except Sundays, for Easter Week and from the end of May to mid-September, 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Groups may visit out of season by arrangement - simply ring the contact number.

Parking

Free car parking is available nearby.

Special Features

Wheelchair access to the main display-room of the Museum.

Local publications on sale within the Museum. Copies of photographs on display may be ordered.

Lostwithiel Museum

Fore Street, LOSTWITHIEL, Cornwall

Tel: 01208 873593