Murdoch House

Illustration by Roy Billingham

Café Scientifique meets in Murdoch House in the centre of Redruth. In this house, William Murdoch, the father of the modern gas industry, pioneered the first practical system of piped-gas lighting anywhere in the world.

James Watt and Matthew Boulton had sent the young engineer William Murdoch to Cornwall in 1779. As their Senior Engine-erector he made his home in Cross Street from 1782 to 1798. Murdoch's spare time was spent in design and innovation and he built the famous Murdoch Flyer, a low-pressure steam locomotive of which a replica of which can be seen in Market Way in Redruth, as well as a process for clearing beer.

Murdoch House has been restored over a period of time and is regularly used by Redruth Old Cornwall Society, the Cornish-American Connection, Redruth Story Group and many others and provides a centre for artistic and cultural groups. Many of the buildings in Redruth retain much of the character of its mining heyday and modern developments are taking place in the town, making it possible to retain original facades and identities. One such building is St Rumon's Gardens, a small, secluded garden just next door to Murdoch House. Before a devastating fire, these were public rooms turned cinema.

Murdoch House is available for small functions and regular meetings and has just been refurbished. You will find it in Cross Street, Redruth (TR15 2BU), just behind St. Rumon's Gardens. Visit Bing for a map. There is a ground floor function room (some steps) seating up to 40 people, suitable for meetings, exhibitions, trade presentations, lectures and small productions. There is also a kitchenette with facilities for coffee and tea making. Please check the Murdoch House website for contact details and information.

TARIFF

Community groups per session (morning, afternoon or evening) £10

Other users by arrangement