Charlestown Harbour has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1700s when it was first built. The Harbour was completed in 1804, and was subsequently used to export copper and China Clay from the local mines. With the Harbour, came many an opportunity for local trades including coopers, blacksmiths, masons, carpenters, labourers and dockers.

The China Clay History Society has been kind enough to supply Charlestown Harbour with a huge amount of historical photographs, some of which can be found in the history section of our website. They provide a unique insight into Charlestown’s background.

A China Clay ship beneath the clay chutes