13/04/2026
Celebrate the birth of Richard Trevithick Camborne's famous son who was born on April 13th 1771 at Penhallick Vean Farmhouse opposite the old entrance to South Crofty.
On Christmas Eve in 1801 he successfully harnessed high pressure steam for the first steam carriage to propel it up Camborne Hill.
In 1803 the 'New Castle' was built by him, the first locomotive to do actual work.
In 1805 he adapted his high pressure steam engine to drive an iron rolling mill and propel a barge with the aid of paddles.
In 1806 his engine also propelled the first steam dredger and a farm threshing machine.
Richard Trevithick died in Dartford, Kent on April 22nd 1833 a poor man.
He was a Cornish Giant in both stature and achievement.
Camborne celebrates his life of achievements on Trevithick Day which is being held this year on Saturday April 25th 2026 Trevithick Day