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