Truro’s history has been shaped by trade, religion, and regional identity. Although Cornwall has ancient origins, Truro developed most strongly during the medieval period as a market town and river port. It’s location on the Truro River allowed it to trade with other Cornish towns and with ports beyond the region. Truro grew further during Cornwall’s mining boom, benefiting from the wealth generated by tin and copper extraction. It is probably this aspect that offers the richest opportunities. It makes perfect sense to make one of your local studies focus on the importance of mining as it is still visible in the neighbouring landscape. Making Richard Trevithick central to your enquiries makes perfect sense and has the additional benefit of helping the fill the chronological gaps in pupils’ chronological awareness and little is taught between 1066 and Victorian times. Discussion of fossil fuels, the re-opening of old mines for precious
