St Austell

In the 18th Century, the town of St Austell prospered from the 'white gold' mined in the countryside to the north - China Clay.  William Cookworthy, a pharmacist, discovered the China Clay and set up a porcelain factory in 1768 at Plymouth. Nowadays, the China Clay has is used in many products and processes; from tyres to toothpaste!  You can find out more at the China Clay Country Park.

St Austell is about a mile from the south coast at Charlestown.  This Georgian harbour village was created by Sir Charles Rashleigh to allow the transport of the valuable China Clay to the potteries in the north and across to Europe. Visit the Heritage Centre.

Modern St Austell has a variety of shops, local and national, with a new shopping centre, White River Place, under construction this year - ready to be opened in September/October 2009.  The town centre has a popular, brand new 4-screen White River Cinema, a Tenpin Bowling Centre, a range of pubs, restaurants & cafes.

At the historic core of the town is the fine Holy Trinity Parish Church and opposite, the Italianate facade of the Market House.

The town has the benefit of a Leisure Centre with Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Squash Courts etc.