From Tregothnan, after passing Nopus Passage, the distance to Truro is two miles.
The town of Truro, which is generally and not improperly denominated the metropolis of the county, is pleasingly seated in a valley, at the conflux of the rivers St. Allen and Kenwyn, which (united with a branch of the river Fal) become navigable for vessels of 100 tons. This town appears to have been a place of some consequence even prior to the Conquest, and, according to Leland, once possessed a Castle, and enjoyed many privileges. Truro has returned members to Parliament since the reign of Edward I.: the right of election, however, like most other Boroughs in this county, is confided to the privileged few: the Mayor and others of the Corporation, to the number of 18 or 20, are the only voters.
The alterations and improvements made of late years at Truro, have certainly given the town a very respectable and handsome appearance; the streets being also well paved and lighted, this town is rendered more comfortable than any other in the county. The Rev. Mr. Warner, in his Tour through this county, published in the year 1809, says, “here all the modes of polished life are visible in genteel houses, elegant hospitality, fashionable apparel, and cautious manners;” which observation, although not incorrect, may be attributed to the success of the inhabitants in mining transactions.[[13]]
The Church is a very beautiful Gothic fabric. It consists of three aisles, with a modern tower at the west end, surmounted by a lofty spire. On the north side the chancel is a monument, with a long inscription to the memory of the courageous Owen Phippen, who died in March, 1636:
Melcombe in Dorset was his place of birth,
Aged 54: and here lies earth on Earth.
There are several other memorials in this church, but none particularly deserving of notice. Besides the church, there are no less than seven other places of worship, for the different denominations of Christians.
Near the town, on a commanding healthy spot, stands the County Infirmary, opened in the year 1799, under the patronage of his present Majesty, but maintained entirely by voluntary subscriptions and contributions. Truro has also a neat Assembly Room, convertible into a Theatre; besides a County Library, established in the year 1792. A Literary Society has lately been set on foot, and their Museum is already worth seeing. The Easter Quarter Sessions are also held in this town; and the markets, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are well supplied with all kinds of provisions. The parish of St. Mary’s, with the adjoining streets, contained, according to the late returns, 2712 inhabitants, or an increase of 230 since the year 1811.
The celebrated Samuel Foote, of dramatic celebrity, was a native of this town.
The scenery in the immediate vicinity of Truro, is particularly beautiful, and such as must delight every traveller; the town itself has a very picturesque appearance, particularly so, when viewed from the spot exhibited in the accompanying engraving.