Social History / Istori Socyal

The Museum of Cornish Life has a vast social history collection. Dating from the 18th to the 20th century, the range of objects covers agriculture, local trades and industries, law and order, town history, home life, toys, sporting equipment, gardening, transport and health and leisure activities.

Short Films with a Helston Focus:

Flora Day – For hundreds of years people have celebrated the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The houses and shops of the town are decorated with greenery and floral arrangements to mark the day. This quick tour is in memory of cancelled Flora Day 2020 

Henry TrengrouseA Cabinet Maker, born in Helston in 1772,  who witness the appalling loss of over 100 lives when `HMS ANSON` was wrecked on the Loe Bar in 1807. This tragedy inspired him to devised a life saving method of firing a rocket and line from a vessel to the shore. To find out what is in our collection view this quick collection tour.

Bob Fitzsimmons – Was the first fighter to hold the world boxing championship in three weight divisions. Born in Helston in 1863 he moved with his family to New Zealand. His professional fighting career only began when he moved to Australia aged 20, in around 1883. In 1890 he then sailed to the United States winning his first the world title in 1891.

Short Films with a Focus on Social History:

Related objects