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. 

2010 Exhibition  - The Enys Influence in Gerrans Parish. The theme of this year’s exhibition illustrates the effect of the Enys estate’s ownership of the villages of Gerrans and Portscatho. It may come as a surprise to many to know that from the early eighteenth century the two villages, which lay within the manors of Pettigrew and Nampity, were entirely owned by the Enys family.

Part of the property was acquired as early as 1649 and the whole completed by 1720. It was not until 1920 that the freeholds of the properties, which had been built by the leaseholders, were available to be purchased. Since that time the Enys influence has waned and today we are seeing development of what is their last significant holding – with the building of much-needed affordable housing on part of the old allotments.

In common with other major landowners, the regime had strict control, not only with regard to the buildings, but also entitlement to any wreck washed ashore and gamekeeping (and banning of hunting!) in the meadows adjoining the villages and on Higher Tregassick farm which they also owned. The terms of the leases, which related to the last-named liver of three names entered on the lease, could be harsh, particularly when property reverted to the landlord in the event of untimely deaths. On the other hand, there were instances of magnanimity and concern for the prosperity of the villages. It is anticipated that visitors will be fascinated by this snapshot of the workings of a great estate.