The History of Gas

 

 

William Murdocks house

William Murdock1754-1839 invented gas lighting, his house in Redruth (pictured here), in 1792 was the first house in Great Britain to be lit by gas.

His mother in-law lived in Charlestown and William probably spent time in Charlestown when the dock was in its early days of construction.

 

We have an interesting collection of gas equipment and domestic appliances through the ages, kindly donated by the National Gas Museum.

The original appliances here include cookers, Acme washers, meters and one of only two gas fridges used in the 1930/40's. Pioneering equipment from the early part of the century can also be seen, including a Valor gas cooking system dating from the 1920/30's that was sold by the Co-op for £20.00.

Gas equipment

 

 

© Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre 2008