Unlock the Stories of Old
Welcome to a new feature from our heritage team. We’re excited to share with you, stories of past times and events that were important in our local parish and beyond!
FEBRUARY 28th –
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY – Sir Goldsworthy Gurney dies on the 28th February, 1875, he was 82 years old. Following his death, his daughter, Anna Jane made sure he would not be forgotten. In 1880, she subscribed £500 towards building the new Truro cathedral in memory of her father. Anna – Jane also gifted a clock to Poughill Church in 1889 complete with a plaque celebrating Gurney’s pioneering work. Finally, she gave a stained-glass window in St Margaret’s Westminster, complete with the inscription:
‘To the glory of God and in memory of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, born Feb 14th 1793. Died Feb 28th 1875. He originated the electric telegraph, high speed locomotive and flashing light signalling. He invented the steam jet and oxy-hydrogen blowpipe. He resided in Cornwall but spent much of his time in this parish, chiefly at the Houses of Parliament. His wife Elizabeth lies at the church of the adjoining parish of St Martin’s in the Fields. This window was given by their devoted daughter Anna-Jane Gurney’
Sadly, the window was destroyed during World War II. Gurney is buried in Launcells churchyard, close to his second wife. There is a permanent exhibition celebrating Gurney’s life and work upstairs at the Heritage Centre
