Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1620
The Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth aboard the Mayflower, founding the colony of New Ply-
mouth in Massachusetts in November the same year.
1720
Thomas Newcomen builds an 'atmospheric engine' at Wheal Fortune Mine, in the Gwennap mining
district, heralding the arrival of mechanised mining.
1743
The preacher and theologian John Wesley delivers his first sermon in Cornwall, and begins the long
process of Methodist conversion in the county.
1768
James Cook sets out from Plymouth to record the transit of Venus across the Pacific Ocean, but inad-
vertently discovers Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia.
1801
Redruth-born Richard Trevithick demonstrates his groundbreaking steam locomotive on Fore St in
Camborne.
1833
Isambard Kingdom Brunel begins construction of the groundbreaking Great Western railway line
from London. The final section to Penzance is eventually completed in 1867.
1859
The Brunel-designed Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar connects Cornwall to Devon.
1940-42
Plymouth endures heavy bombing raids by the Luftwaffe, and sustains heavy damage. Exeter is later
damaged during the Baedeker Blitz.
1951
Dartmoor becomes the southwest's first designated national park, followed three years later by Ex-
moor.
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