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Redruth

In Brief

Name: REDRUTH
Classification: Town
Twinned with: Plumergat et Meriadec in Brittany, France; Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in the USA; and Real del Monte in Mexico
Population: 14,018 in 2011
Notable former residents: Co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, was born in Redruth, as was actress Kristin Scott Thomas, and Richard D James, who is also known as the musician Aphex Twin, went to school in the town
Films shot in town: Not a film but ‘Railway Walks: The Birth of Steam’ (2011) sees Julia Bradbury cover the story of the rails around Redruth in an episode of this documentary
Interesting factoid: Redruth’s Cross Street is home to Murdoch House, which, in 1792, became the first house in the world to be lit with gas lighting produced from coal gas thanks to inventor William Murdoch, arguably the most famous of all of Redruth’s former residents

PAINT THE TOWN RED

When exploring Cornwall, it’s easy to forget about Redruth. With Truro to the east, Falmouth to the south, Penzance to the west and a whole coastline of hidden treats close by to the north, it’s tempting to skip this town and its next-door neighbours Pool and Camborne out. But we’re here to say: give Redruth a chance. The town dates back to the 12th century, with its iconic viaduct being originally built in wood but replaced with stone in 1888. Over the years, it’s been an important market town with Fore Street being shopping central since the early 18th century. The mining history of this area courses through its veins as Redruth once got rich through tin, with the grand Victorian architecture around town testament to this wealth. To find out more, the Redruth Town Trail is well worth strolling down as it points out places of historical interest. Special markets are held here in the summer and there are good pubs, good shops and lots of history. Miss the chance to explore Redruth at your peril.