St Austell
The ancient town of St Austell dates back to 1189 when it left the jurisdiction of the Manor of Tewington and became a market town in its own right.
Mining has always featured in the locale of St Austell, originally early settlers mined tin but later on with the discovery of copper new shafts were dug.
Unfortunately in 1865 there was a dramatic drop in the price of copper which led to the closure of many mines. This led to the emigration of many miners from Charlestown port to America, Australia and South Africa. All was not lost, prosperity returned to the town with the continued development of china clay originally discovered by Quaker and Potter William Cookworthy (1705-1780). Demand increased so much that in 1820 there were only 12 clay works, by 1858 this had grown to 96. With all the new employment opportunities the town centre blossomed
Today St Austell is undergoing an inner regeneration with help from the tourist industry, crowds now come not just to see the 'Cornish Alps' but a vast array of other attractions, the Eden Project, Heligan Gardens, the China Clay Museum, Charlestown and many more.
From Truro there are two bus services the 522 operated by Western Greyhound Monday - Saturday hourly. And the First service 27/27b operating hourly Monday - Saturday and Sundays every two hours. For more timetable information please visit www.traveline.info
For more information on St Austell and its area please visit www.visitthecornishriviera.co.uk
