Charlestown's Timeline a Chronological History of Charlestown
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1790
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• Charlestown known as West Polmear
• Population 9 fishermen and their families • Outer quay built |
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1792
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• Excavation of an inner dock
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1793
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• Shipwright's yard established
• Small vessels launched |
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1794
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• Port leat cut from Luxulyan
• Number of houses built |
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1799
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• First dock gates erected. |
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1804
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• Charlestown's first iron foundry opened
• First Sunday School formed |
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1824
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• Second smelting house opened |
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1825
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• Ownership of Charlestown changed from the Rashleighs to Crowders |
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1851
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• Rashleigh Arms built |
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1864
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• Proposal to enlarge harbour and bring in a branch rail line
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1873
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• Dock extended in length |
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1885
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• Charlestown foundry changed ownership
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1887
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• Pumps were used as severe drought caused both leat ponds to dry up
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1890
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• New dock gates fitted |
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1891
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• Dock lit by oil lamps, following 3 drownings
• The ‘Great Blizzard' closed Charlestown Road and dock • Mount Charles coopers strike |
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1892
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• Re-sale of Charlestown considered
• Gales washed away part of outer basin wall |
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1893
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• Approximately 6,000 tons of cliff fell on eastern beach
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1895
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• Charlestown Infants School opened |
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1920
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• Gas main laid for street lighting
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1925
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• Charlestown Road first surfaced with tarmac
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1935
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• Foundry purchased by English China Clays
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1940
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• Foundry engaged in war contracts
• War evacuees sent to village • Bomb dropped on village, first in Cornwall • Dock taken over for fitting out mine sweepers |
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1948
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• Dock gates removed for repairs |
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1971
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• New dock gates fitted
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1976
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• Shipwreck and Heritage Centre opened
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1981
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• Shipwreck and Heritage Centre enlarged and restaurant built |
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1986
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• Charlestown sold to Charlestown Partnership; several changes of ownership since
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1992
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• John and Rita Kneale purchase the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
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1993
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• Port purchased by Square Sail Shipyard Ltd. |
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Present
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• Port of Charlestown used as a location for several films and programmes.
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