The mop fair

Nell Darby details the history of the statute fair, or mop fair, where servants tried to find work, but could became the victims of crime instead. In my local town, a fair is held twice a year. It’s a rather standard event; there are fairground rides, stalls where you can shoot a can to win … Read more

Exploring Cornwall’s heritage

Mike Bedford, a Camborne School of Mines researcher, has long been fascinated with Cornish mine engine houses. Here, he looks at the county’s history and industrial heritage. Although it’s rightly popular as holiday destination, it is all too easy to think of Cornwall as a bywater far removed from the UK’s industrial powerhouses and business … Read more