Gerrans Parish Heritage & Information Centre
The Old Forge, Tregassick Road, Gerrans, Cornwall.

The old forge, built in the 1790s, was in the continued occupation of one family - the Pearces. They operated here until 1966, after which time it was converted for use as an artist's studio.

The Heritage and Information Centre opened in 2004. In addition to the permanent exhibition, specific exhibits will be set-up on an annual basis.   

The history of the parish is illustrated with displays depicting Farming through the Ages, the Fishing Industry, Education, Domesday Book entries, the Manors, World Wars, Coastguards, Churches, Chapels and much more. Illustrated by photographs, tithe maps, documents, parish records and other artefacts.

For those with an interest in family history there is a database containing the baptisms/christenings, marriages and deaths/burials of more than 11,500 parishioners. Indexes are also available for St Gerrans and St Anthony parishes covering, marriages, burials and a churchyard plan. The 1841 - 1901 census has also been indexed. 

The early indications of tourism in Cornwall and in particular Portscatho and district occurred soon after the construction of Brunel’s bridge crossing the Tamar and the opening of Grampound Road station in 1859.

The exhibition will demonstrate in words and pictures who our visitors were, how they arrived over the years and where they stayed. What they did whilst they were here and how did the amenities and facilities in the area change in order to cater for them? We hope to illustrate the changes in the way of life in the villages as a result of holiday makers and their influence to the present day.