Truro is the only city in Cornwall and is an inland port that was important for the exporting of Tin. "Truro" is thought to mean "three rivers" which refers to the location of the city on the rivers, Kenwyn, Allen and what is now known as the river Truro. The Truro river flows to the sea at Falmouth.
Truro first came into existence in the 12th century when a castle was built on what is now the Courts of Justice. By the 14th century Truro had become one of five stannary towns in Cornwall, where tin was assayed, stamped and exported. This increased the size and prosperity of Truro greatly.
Truro was granted its city status in 1877 by Queen Victoria. This was due to the increase in wealth of the town due to the tin trade. Grand houses were built in the town, usually by wealthy mine owners. Queen Victoria granted the city status in recognition of the growing importance of the town to the economy.
Truro cathedral dominates the skyline of the city. It was built on the site of the 16th century parish church, St. Mary the Virgin. It was the first cathedral to be built on a new site since Salisbury Cathedral in 1220. Two foundation stones for the catherdral were laid in 1880 by the Duke of Cornwall (later to become Edward VII). The architect (John Loughborough Pearson) incorporated the South aisle of the parish church into the design for the cathedral and this is know called St. Mary's aisle. The stonework from the 16th century parish church can be seen from outside in St. Mary's Street. The inside of the cathedral is of a Gothic style with the walls made of granite and the pillars of Bath stone. The cathedral is beautiful and is definitely worth a visit!
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