Download the Norway Menu

When you come and stay at the Norway Inn, why not take a walk into the lovely surrounding countryside, right from the pub’s front door? We have two circular walks for you, one just a gentle amble along roads and tracks, the other 2 hours long and covering slightly more challenging terrain.

Click here to view walks from the Norway Inn »

History of the Norway Inn

We are often asked about the origins of the Norway Inn’s name. It is reputed that the name comes from the Norwegian ships that brought in the pit prop timbers for the tin mines in the area to the nearby Perran Wharf. At that time, the river was far deeper than it is today and it was even possible for small sailing vessels to discharge upstream from the Norway. The wharf traded until the early 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 remain from 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 a 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 £425 ‘lock, stock and barrel’ – this term originates from sales in the licensed house trade! These buildings formed the basis of the Norway Inn that you see today.