Truro Island is an idyllic British Island situated in the Cornish Channel. The island is famous for its lush green landscape, dramatic coastline, seaside towns, and sleepy villages.
Truro is a popular tourist destination that can be reached by ferry from Plymouth or Penzance. A wide range of activities is available for visitors, such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, and fishing. The town of Truro is known for its quirky shops and delicious food.
Contents
History
Truro Island was first settled by the Britons in the 6th century BC. It became a thriving community, and its traders flourished from making journeys to and from Brittany, France. In 1292, King John granted Truro its own borough charter. The town prospered as a port because of its strategic location at the mouth of the River Falmouth.
During World War II, Truro was one of Britain’s most heavily bombed towns. Such was the carnage caused by various Luftwaffe raids that in one night, British citizens became aware of their country’s vulnerable position as a conduit for invasion.
Today Truro is considered to be one of Britain’s “greenest” cities and Conservation Areas with extensive areas designated as both natural or Scheduled Parks and belonging to four local government districts: South East Cornwall (parish), Falmouth Rural (district) West Devon (district) and Penwith (county). The borough of Truro itself is completely surrounded by the urban districts of Falmouth with Pendennis Castle, St Germans, and Marazion forming a green triangle close to the cobbled quayside east from those.
For ease in administration purposes following local government reorganization, it has formed part of five units: Cornwall Police; West Devon Council; South East Cornwall District Council – one third-level authority and the sixth-highest tier of local government in England; The Isles of Scilly: Tresco, Bryher and Gersee (the latter two now part of Cornwall Council) as well because it is a peninsula rather than an island however since 2006 Menheniot are also called into account.
Since 1 April 2009, these five local authorities have been reconfigured again to form on-island unitary authorities covering all islands except the Isles of Scilly and their area has been extended to include the larger islands. The large towns in each unitary authority now contain second-tier units: Mayalshire Police, Falmouth (not to be confused with West Cornwall District Council), Penryn-with-Newlyn & St Ives Town Council and Truro City (includes also surrounding villages).
Climate
The climate of Truro Island is quite mild. The average temperature during the year is around 10°C to 20°C with a maximum temperature of 32°C and minimum temperature of 5°C. There are two rainy seasons in the year, namely:
Summer Monsoon occurs from May to September and Winter Monsoon occurs from October to April. The monsoons bring rains and heavy winds along with them. Also, there are four distinct seasons on the island; summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
Culture
Truro Island is a small town located in the Cornwall area of the United Kingdom. It has a population of approximately 5,000 and lies within the civil parish of St. Breward. The town was first recorded in 1084 as ‘Trurri’.
According to 2011 census data, it had an estimated population of 4,662 people. Truro has been part of Cornwall since 1180 when Henry II granted Richard de Redvers permission to build stone walls around the town; it remained an important center for tin mining until 1835. The historic core of Truro is known as Town or Central Truro, which contains most buildings built before 1700: over 50% were built before 1750 and 80% were built before 1800.
The central square was originally named “Pannier Market” after the barge-shaped market stalls that stood there until 1912; this name survives in Pannier Street nearby, where all that remains are some cobbled pavements and one or two old shops at street level on each side). Today’s Market Place contains a number of antique shops and restaurants including Millers (now closed), Berry Bros & Rudd (now closed) and Shakespeare Inn.
The old Corn Exchange building now houses a hotel and art gallery (Stirling Gallery), while across the street is Cornwall’s oldest surviving pub—The Black Horse—and its Tudor extension with its original timber frame dating from 1577.
Politics
The town is within the Truro and Falmouth Parliament constituency.
Truro was once home to a theatre, The Playhouse, which closed in 2007. Many theatrical productions are now undertaken in Falmouth, a little to the south of Truro.
Truro has two Anglican churches: St Breward and All Saints; an ecumenical church known as ‘Unitarian Church’; several Baptist churches (some dating back to 1764), Methodist chapels, Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, and The Salvation Army Christian Centre & Family Services’ Mother Angel Place Depot(closed) on Cornwall Street West and Central Christian Church on Cornwall Street alongside the Corn Exchange.
A Roman Catholic church is located nearby at The Souvenir Shop, formerly known as St Francis’ or Truro Cathedral. It was built in 1879 by order of Pope Leo XIII out of granite obtained from Tor Hill and faced with Pennant sandstone quarried on adjacent Miller’s Common; it cost £8,500 to build including furnishings and fittings.
Government services
Government services in Truro Island are:
- Health Services (Lifeline)
- Education Services (Cape Breton District School Board)
- Transportation Services (Truro Transit System)
- Police Service (Police Service Cape Breton Regional Municipality – Police Constable, Police Sergeant, and Inspector positions)
- Fire Service (Cape Breton Regional Fire Authority)
The above list is just a few of the many Government services available to residents of Truro Island. Other government services include; Library Services, City Hall, Parks & Recreation Department, Cultural Resources and Heritage Branch, Emergency Management Office, and many more.
Tourism
Truro Island is a beautiful place to visit with its gorgeous beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque coves. The best way to explore the island is by hiring a boat or going on a boat tour.
You can also take a ferry from Falmouth which takes you to Porthleven and then onto the island. On your way back, you can catch another ferry that goes all the way back to Falmouth.
There are many other things you can do while in Truro such as scuba diving, hiking, visiting Penzance, and surfing in Newquay.
Transport
If you need to get around the island, there are a number of transport options available. You can take the ferry from Falmouth or Porthleven, take the bus from various points on the island, or rent a bike.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Truro Island is completely unique. You can find everything from traditional British fare to local seafood dishes. There are also a number of restaurants that offer amazing views of the island and the ocean.
Conclusion
Truro Island is an idyllic getaway located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a small and secluded island with stunning beaches and cliffs, perfect for couples or small groups. What’s more, it’s also a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Truro Island is a great place to spend a lazy day or explore its natural wonders.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Currency In Truro?
A: The currency in Truro is known as the Rand.
Q: What Is The Weather Like?
A: The diverse landscapes with rolling hills and lush valleys help to create a uniform climate throughout Truro Island. Summer temperatures range from 28 – 34 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures average between 23-28 C however, it can drop as low as 6 degrees Celsius at night.
Q: Can I Take A Guided Tour?
A: There are no public transportation on Truro Island. You will need to hire an irregular taxi or hire an overland guide in Cape Town.
Q: What Is The Highest Point?
A: The tallest mountain in Truro Island, called “Mountain”, reaches an altitude of 476m.
Q: Can I Bring A Pet?
A: Travelling with pets is not recommended. Pets are prohibited unless miniature breeds or service dogs for the blind, physically handicapped, and purebred animals like poodles may be brought into the country provided it has been declared upon arrival at an airport. Please contact your nearest Cape Town Airport Police station if you have any further questions about carrying domestic animals in checked baggage.
Leave a Reply