Redruth, Cornwall
Redruth local area guide
Picture shown above: The pumping engine houses at Wheal Peevor, Redruth, Cornwall
Redruth is a commercial town in the district of Kerrier, Cornwall, approximately 11 miles north-west of Falmouth. Redruth has a population of just over 12,000 people.
Redruth is home to Carn Brea, the civil parish and hilltop site famous for its long history of human occupation. The Redruth Rugby Football Club is also helping the town to gain a reputation for its sporting capabilities.
Key shops and other outlets within the town centre include the covered market way, the Cornish Studies Centre, an old butter market and various antique shops. Off the main high street there are two separate specialist shopping areas, Bond Street to the south of the railway station and Green Lane to the north. The town has a burgundy colour theme, which is used in new Public Realm regeneration work to highlight the town's name.
History of Redruth
Historically, Redruth was a small market town until there was a boom in the copper ore industry during the 18th century. Copper ore had mostly been discarded by the Cornish tin-mining industry but was now needed to make brass, an essential metal in the Industrial Revolution. Redruth quickly became one of the largest and richest mining areas in Britain as it was surrounded by copper ore deposits and the town's population grew greatly.
By the end of the 19th century the Cornish mining industry was in decline and Britain was importing most of its copper ore. To find employment, many miners emigrated to the newer mining industries in the Americas, Australasia and South Africa. Cornwall's last fully operational mine, South Crofty at Pool between Redruth and Camborne, closed in March 1998.
Transport in Redruth
Redruth is a significant transport hub. The railway station is a railhead for both Helston and the Lizard, and there are also frequent buses connecting them. The railway station is served by trains from Paddington, as well as the Midlands and the North. Redruth is next to the main A30 road and has access to the main route out of the county as well as routes to the far West, North Cornwall, South East Cornwall and Plymouth.
Education in Redruth
Redruth boasts 14 schools offering junior and primary education within the town. Redruth’s close proximity to both London and Watford provides a wide range of easily accessible secondary schools and higher education options for older children.
Property in Redruth
There is a good selection of property for sale in Redruth to suit all buyers, from first time buyers to those looking for a family home. Visit our Redruth property page to view three bedroom semi detached properties for sale.
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