Truro Gallery

British Army service vehicles outside H.T.P. Motors Ltd., Back Quay, Truro, Cornwall. Around 1944

Rebuilt service vehicles, spick and span and ready for the road, being handed over to Army drivers towards the end of the Second World War. During the war H.T.P. Motors handed the Army most of their stock of cars and commercial vehicles and purchased transport generally for Government purposes. Large cars were converted to ambulances and essential civilian motor transport was provided and maintained. Ranging from armament production to the repair of Spitfire components, H.T.P.'s activities extended and multiplied rapidly with the country's growing demands. In 2018, this building is the Pannier Market on Back Quay, Truro. Photographer: Unknown

© From the collection of the RIC

River Street, Truro, Cornwall. Late 1800s

A view of River Street, looking east, showing the Truro Savings Bank and Baptist Chapel, later to become the Royal Cornwall Museum. The architect of both buildings was Philip Sambell (1798-1874). Truro Savings Bank was built in 1847. The bank closed in 1894 and became Henderson's School of Mining in 1897. The School of Mining closed in 1907 and the Royal Institution of Cornwall purchased the building in 1908 to house their growing collections. Truro Baptist Chapel was built in 1850. The chapel was purchased by the RIC in 1985 as an extension to the museum. Extensive refurbishment and additions followed, including the link between the two buildings. An upper floor was added to the Baptist Chapel creating the Treffry gallery. Recorded in 1852-1853 at 27 River Street, was the premises of J. Hugo, a dyer. The business had moved to Kenwyn Street by 1878 and the building is now, in 2017, occupied by Simpsons of Cornwall. The photograph also shows a horse drawn cart and several people. Photographer: Unknown

© From the collection of the RIC

St Marys Church, Truro, Cornwall. Around 1870

The west front of St Mary's Church. View taken from the High Cross end looking towards St Mary's Street. A very early photograph. The parish church of St Mary the Virgin was first consecrated in 1259. It was then rebuilt several times and completed around 1518. The church was demolished in 1880 to make way for the building of Truro Cathedral. The south aisle of the church was incorporated into the new cathedral and is now known as St Mary's aisle. A small group of people are standing in front of the railing which surround the church. Photographer: Unknown

© From the collection of the RIC