Now and then pictures show a version of Truro lost to time
A forgotten past of Cornwall's capital city can now be discovered through an intriguing collection of archive photographs in a new book, 'Lost Truro'
These incredible pictures show a version of Cornwall that's been lost to time. Collected by local historians Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson, the images were published in the 'Lost Truro' book, which was published by Amberley Publishing last year.
To be transported back in time to a Truro 150 years ago would leave even some of the city's long-standing residents lost in areas that are unrecognisable now. Walking around the city today and trying to match up present-day photographs with those in this fascinating book shows just how much things have changed through the ages.
Authors Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson write: "The cathedral city of Truro is a major administrative and commercial centre in Cornwall. Historically, it grew in prosperity as an inland port and stannary town, and its Georgian and Victorian buildings demonstrate its wealth in this period. Other industries developed around the area at this time, and the town gained city status.
"Lost Truro presents a portrait of this corner of Cornwall over the last century to recent decades that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing not only industries and buildings that have gone but also people and street scenes, many popular places of entertainment and much more. This fascinating photographic history of lost Truro will appeal to all those who live in the area or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades."
Journey back in time through this selection of archive pictures from the book, 'Lost Truro', and compare the present day scenes below them.
There are 21 pictures in this photo story - click on the Next button at the bottom of the page to see them all.
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This article was first published in 2023
Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson write: "This pre-First World War photo clearly depicts the transport of the era. On the site of the present Lloyds Bank is the Devon and Cornwall Bank. Opposite is London House, which is clearly marked showing the many windows. Over the years this building has had various alterations but presently the windows are covered up. In the foreground of the picture are wicker hampers on a hand cart, which were used for deliveries."
(Image: Courtesy of Amberley Publishing)1 of 21
The same view of Boscawen Street in Truro taken in December 2023.
(Image: Greg Martin)2 of 21
Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson write: "West End Dairy was in Frances Street and was owned by George and Ethel Venn. Ethel was a native of Guernsey and had been sent to Truro during the war to live with family where she met and married George. As well as milk, cream and ice cream, the little shop had boxes of vegetables all over the floor. This hardworking couple kept their dairy open until late every evening. Milk was always available ladled out of the milk churn that was just inside the front door. Other lost shops in this street included Corks sweet shop, Mr Davey the grocer, Arnold Hodge the pork butcher and the wool shop called Doreen owned by Miss Fanny Robins."
(Image: Courtesy of Amberley Publishing)3 of 21![The view of a shop front on Frances Street in Truro taken in December 2023.]()
The view of the same shop front on Frances Street in Truro taken in December 2023.
(Image: Greg Martin)4 of 21![Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson write: "Here is yet another of the changing faces of Pydar Street during the 1980s when Tesco came to Truro. The food hall and fashion floor of the supermarket was in the building visible and next door (now TK Maxx) was Tesco’s uniform and book department. On the opposite corner of Pydar Street and St Clement Street was Courts furniture store, later to become the Hospice Charity Shop, which has recently been demolished. When Tesco moved to the eastern side of town, this building was changed to accommodate the occupation of C & A. It is now home to New Look."]()
Christine Parnell and Sheila Richardson write: "Here is yet another of the changing faces of Pydar Street during the 1980s when Tesco came to Truro. The food hall and fashion floor of the supermarket was in the building visible and next door (now TK Maxx) was Tesco’s uniform and book department. On the opposite corner of Pydar Street and St Clement Street was Courts furniture store, later to become the Hospice Charity Shop, which has recently been demolished. When Tesco moved to the eastern side of town, this building was changed to accommodate the occupation of C & A. It is now home to New Look."
(Image: Courtesy of Amberley Publishing)5 of 21
