Relocating to Truro is the change you’ve been looking for

As a place to live in or visit, Truro is more of a quintessential example of an English market town than a city, with a population that just segues into the underside of twenty thousand. Its cobbled main street branches out into intimate courtyards and winding alleyways, encouraging a slow pace, punctuated by moments of curiosity. Boutique shops and pubs sit alongside small cosy eateries that cater to those who enjoy a less frenetic existence. Venture away from these enticing inducements to kick back and take note, you’ll find acres of wonderful woodland walking trails, independent gardens and of course Boscawen Park sitting in verdant glory alongside the Truro River. Relocating to Truro offers a lifestyle that may just be the change you’ve been looking for.

Getting here

Whether by car, motorbike or train access to the city is straightforward. Dropping down from the A30, via the A39, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the three spires that rise up from the cathedral and dominate the city’s roofscape. It’s an edifice whose construction spans two reigns – the Victorian and Edwardian eras – and is built on the site of the old parish church of St Mary. Alternatively, you can wend your way along the A390, through Threemilestone, past the college campus and Higher Town before sweeping down Morlaix Avenue and into the centre.

If you prefer the train to take the strain, Truro sits on the mainline route out of Paddington to Penzance. Trains are frequent and afford the traveller the chance to slowly unwind into the west country, as the urban sprawl recedes to be replaced by a wilder and open mosaic of fields and moorland.

Schools

When Tony Blair set out his agenda in 1997 the statement he uttered still echoes through the years – ‘Education, education, education.’  He tapped into something that concerns all of us; for without enlightenment, we can’t move forward. As a small city Truro boasts a plethora of schools and educational establishments that belie its size. From Truro School (public), founded as an alternative to the Church of England's ancient Truro Grammar to Penair (secondary academy school), via Richard Lander (coeducational secondary) to Truro and Penwith College (further education) the city will not find you wanting for somewhere on your doorstep to further the knowledge of the next generation.

Shops

As many of our towns and cities have bowed to the inevitable and allowed their streets to become dominated by retail chains, Truro has remained out of the loop. Tucked away you’ll encounter shops and eateries that are the civic hubs, where news, views and local gossip is exchanged.

Restaurants

Of course, in this sort of vibrant community-based city, you’d expect to encounter a selection of varied restaurants. You won’t be disappointed. From the quirky and bright Hub Box, purveyors of the Korean Clucker and Nacho Libre, to the Cornish Vegan offering the Canadian Poutine and Loaded Tots; along with Indian, Chinese and Italian eateries there are places to satisfy all predilections.

Hall for Cornwall

Recently upgraded and renovated in 2021 Hall for Cornwall throws open its doors to a range of performances from The Gruffalo’s Child to Stewart Lee to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It is the city’s cultural hub that attracts some of the best performers and productions in the land.

Stunning houses

Although Truro has a long history as a settlement, very few pre-18th century buildings still stand. This reflects its rise as an administrative centre, an expansion that attracted the professional classes who built residences to reflect their status in Cornish society. Georgian, Regency and Victorian architectural styles flourished and contribute to the city’s classical footprint today. Seek out Walsingham Place and Lemon Street both of which are prime examples of these styles. As the wealth of the city has evolved there are more stunning properties and small scale developments that have appeared around the outskirts.

History

Truro burgeoned as a settlement under the protection of the castle that was constructed under the instruction of Richard de Luci, Chief Justice of England, during the reign of Henry II.

By the early 14th century, it had established itself as a major port, partly due to its inland location away from seaborne raiders. It also became a stannary town at this time, one of a few that were set up to manage the collection of tax on smelted tin, the revenue from which went straight to the Duchy of Cornwall.

Like many settlements throughout England the impact of the Black Death caused a major economic downturn leaving the town somewhat impoverished. It took nearly two-hundred years for it to re-establish itself as a viable commercial centre again, when a new charter was signed in 1589 under the rule of Elizabeth I. During the Civil War Truro came down on the side of the King which led to west country Royalist forces surrendering here to General Fairfax after their previous defeat at the Battle of Naseby in 1645 in Northamptonshire.

Truro really took off again during the 18th and 19th centuries with the emergence of a professional class who were involved with the administrative side of the Tin industry. Its importance increased further still with the introduction of iron-smelting, pottery and tannery aided by the laying of the railway in the 1860s.

It was granted city status in 1877.

Housing market

Against a sluggish backdrop the housing market has fared better than expected and although transactions are relatively calm at the moment the signs are that demand is beginning to pick up. It is a buyer’s market with the housing stock shortage still having an impact, although with the government committing and supporting a housing initiative the pendulum is set to swing. So, if you’re looking to relocate now would seem to be a good time to do so.

Get in touch

So, if you’re looking to relocate now would seem to be a good time to do so. For what’s on offer here in Truro,Philip Martin may just have the answer you’re looking for.