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DIRECTIONS
Turn into the town centre of Lostwithiel
at the traffic lights on the A390 (into a one way street). The museum
is on the right.
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LOSTWITHIEL MUSEUM
Text by Barbara Fraser
Lostwithiel was founded in the twelfth century, by the
Norman lords living in Restormel Castle, to be a port for the export of
tin.
The town and port quickly grew and developed in importance.
By the end of the thirteenth century it was the County Town of Cornwall,
responsible for administering all county and stannary (relating to tin)
affairs, and was the major port in the county.
The museum is housed in a Georgian building on Fore Street,
first used as the Corn Exchange. The back room of the museum dates from
an earlier period and was originally the town gaol. Above the museum is
the Guildhall.
Other buildings on Fore Street date from the thirteenth
to the nineteenth century, and together with the mediaeval bridge and
the unique church dedicated to St Bartholomew, they give a clue to the
long and fascinating history of the town.
The museum has a varied display of domestic articles,
craft tools, agricultural implements, medals, minerals and other artefacts,
all given by local people over the years. The largest item on display
is Lostwithiel's original eighteenth century hand pumped fire engine.
The impressive photographic collection illustrates the
social history of the town since the early days of photography.
OPENING TIMES.
Open daily, except Sundays, from Easter until
end September. 10.30.am-4:30pm.
Open for town festivals.
Groups welcome out of season by arrangement.
Please ring the contact number...01208 873005
PARKING.
Free car parking is available nearby.
SPECIAL FEATURES.
There is no charge for admission to the museum. There is
wheelchair access to the main display room. Local publications are on
sale. Copies of photographs in the collection may be ordered.
Lostwithiel Museum,
Fore Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall
Tel
Charity No. 1029141
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