Showing The new book of Lostwithiel : Cornwall's medieval capital by Barbara Fraser

A small town, proud of its heritage, independent spirit and genuine friendliness, it is loved and cherished by all who live here. In The New Book of Lostwithiel the town's story is told from its beginnings as a vital port developed by the Normans and as the centre of the tin industry and the administrative capital of medieval Cornwall. During the Civil War, the town was occupied, besieged and badly damaged but, thanks to political patronage in the eighteenth century, Lostwithiel recovered, to be kept going in turn by improved roads, farming, iron mining, the railway, and the 'milk factory'. Lostwithiel is now developing a reputation as the 'antiques centre' of Cornwall. Today Lostwithiel, with its many traditions, institutions, clubs and societies and its strong sense of community, has a character that is all its own. First published in 2003 and quickly sold out, this new edition of The New Book of Lostwithiel, published to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee, brings the story of the community fully up to date. A new section highlights what has happened since the book was first issued, including the devastating floods of November 2010 which caused considerable disruption and distress for both residents and businesses and the subsequent visit by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall to meet the residents affected and the emergency services involved. More positively, the Brunel Quays restoration and development of the railway buildings project is nearing completion, with the old carriage works and maintenance building now providing both residential and light industrial accommodation whilst a busy dental surgery occupies part of the ground floor level. Finally, new images capture how the Jubilee was celebrated. This unique publication is a vital record of the history and inhabitants of the ancient parish of Lostwithiel, presented in a single volume for all to treasure.