Gorseth Kernow,
The Gorseth Of Cornwall
1928-2004
Saturday 4th September 2004
at Lemon Quay Truro.
Truro grew up on the trade route from the Gannel to the Fal nestled between two rivers, the Kenwyn and the Allen. It is possible that the word Truro derives from three rivers as there is a third river, the Glasteinan, no more than a trickle these days, which meanders down under the Trafalgar area. Pydar Street is probably the oldest street in the town and led travellers down to a settlement near a Cornish cross which is believed to have been erected by the Dominican friars who settled in Truro c.1250.
Gorseth 2004 - Lemon Quay, Truro
The town once had a castle and it is highly likely it was built on the ruins of a much earlier earthwork. It was Richard de Lucy, a henchman of Alan of Brittany, Earl of Cornwall who was credited with granting Truro its first charter c1153. In 1327 Truro became a stannary town which would have improved its prosperity with the twice yearly coinages. The coinage hall was built at the end of Middle Row but was demolished in the mid nineteenth century. The town was actually set on fire in 1404 in a fight with the French who thought nothing of coming up the Truro River!
Truro has many famous sons, some born here, some who were sent here to be educated at the Grammar School, which was founded in 1547. Among the latter are Humphrey Davey and Goldsworthy Gurney. Among those born in Truro are Richard and John Lander who traced the course of the Niger, Henry Bone the enamellist and miniaturist, Samuel Foote the actor and satirist,and Henry Martyn the missionary.
There is a fine wide main street in Truro, as when Middle Row was pulled down it was not replaced. The Municipal Buildings are in the Italian style and were designed by Christopher Eales. They house the Hall for Cornwall on Back Quay. The imposing Coinage Hall on the old site was built in Tudor style as a bank. There are many Silvanus Trevail designed buildings, though the Post Office in High Cross was demolished some years ago. Walsingham Place is attributed to Philip Sambell, who was also the architect of other buildings, including the Museum and Truro Methodist Church, all remarkable as he was a deaf mute.
In 1877 Truro was granted city status and the old St. Mary’s Church was pulled down to make way for the new cathedral. The south aisle was retained however and still serves the people as their parish church today.
As always the Gorseth Council is most grateful to Truro City Council, Carrick District Council, All at Lemon Street Market, the Congregation and the Minister at St Mary Clement Methodist Church Truro, Truro Old Cornwall Society, Truro Women’s Institute and other local organisations and volunteers for welcoming us so enthusiastically and giving us so much practical help.
In ancient Celtic times Bards were honoured for their scholarship in poetry, literature, art, music, history and folklore. In them rested the traditions and history of the people. The creation of the Gorseth, or gathering, of the Bards of Cornwall, followed the 18t century revival of the Bardic tradition in Wales. Cornwall’s ceremony and organisation are similar to, but on a smaller scale than those in Wales, where the Gorseth is linked to the National Eisteddfod. The Gorseth is non-political, non-religious and non-profit-making. It exists solely to uphold the Celtic traditions of Cornwall and to honour men and women who have made outstanding contributions to Cornwall and its ancient culture, history and language.
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