History of the Norway

The inn takes it’s name from the Norwegian Ships that brought in the timbers, for the mines hereabouts, at the nearby Perran Wharf. At that time the river was far deeper and it was even possible for small sailing vessels to discharge upstream from the Norway. The wharf traded until early in the 20th century when the river silted up.

The first development of the site was when the Perran Foundry opened in 1791, making heavy castings for the beam engines that drew water from Cornwall’s tin mines.

The Tithe Appointment Map of 1841 shows the site as “offices, outhouses and canal cellars” but part of the building must have been used as a public house as the Norway Inn was also mentioned in the Poor Rate Book of 1829.

In 1828 the Truro Turnpike Road was built but, sadly, no records were left by the Turnpike Trustees who were responsible for its construction.

The pretty Turnpike Bridge nearby is assumed to have been built to allow access to a tidal basin adjoining the lime kiln.

In 1899 the Norway Inn, lime kiln and a four roomed cottage were sold at auction by Lady Bassett for the sum of four hundred and twenty five pounds ‘lock, stock and barrel’ (the term originates from sales in the licensed house trade). These buildings formed the basis of the delightful inn that you see today. Many old prints showing the inn have been collected, bearing witness to the many changes taken place here

- and yet how little has changed.