Newquay Harbour Tramway

The transformation of Newquay from a small fishing hamlet to a major Cornish town took place as a result of the purchase of the Manor of Town Blystra by London entrepreneur Richard Lomax in 1832. His initial replacement of the small quay at Newquay by a larger harbour, and completed following his death by industrialist Joseph Thomas Treffry, saw the 1830’s and 1840’s as pivotal decades and what all Newquay’s future expansion would rest upon. The harbour coastal maritime trade would develop as a result of the mineral tramway. In due course replacement of the tramway by a passenger railway from 1876 allow the development and growth of Newquay as Cornwall’s most popular tourist destination.
Here is a brief story of the harbour tramway accompanied by images of the harbour for over nearly 160 years. Images from the collections of Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum and the ‘John Vaughan Collection’ of Newquay images, acquired by Association for Cornish Heritage from the well known railway author, in order that projects such as this could be carried out.
This video support the 2021 Local History and Community Month as a collaboration between Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum and Newquay Library.

[@terenceburchett6122]

Good to see an accurate history. So many video's are inaccurate, especially the fly-overs. Thank you for getting it right. Would just like to add there were three different Trenance bridges.

[@terryansell6641]

Thank you a very interesting video from New Zealand

[@davey.f.demarco3858]

Absolutely brilliant video. My grandmother and aunt lived in St Columb Major and Newquay is my family’s favourite spot. I never knew until now about the tunnel etc. Thanks ever so much for sharing.

[@ErtachKernow]

So pleased you enjoyed it

[@ianmeredith130]

I love this video! Thank you so much ♥️

[@ErtachKernow]

Meur ras / Thank you

[@GregorStevenson]

Great bit of local history, thank you. Have you shared a link to the Newquay Facebook groups?

[@Buccaneer6666]

Excellent stuff now how about the St Columb (Edyvean's) Canal

[@ErtachKernow]

There is one already at ua-cam.com/video/zLOgVa7NlFQ/v-deo.html on this channel. It was produced about the same time as the harbour video. Thank you for your kind comment.