PRECIOUS artefacts from Truro’s history have been gifted to the city council for posterity.

Cllr Sarah Douglas-Martin, who represents Tregolls ward and was Cllr Carol Swain’s mayoress until May, presented current mayor Cllr Chris Wells with a sugar bowl believed to originate from the Red Lion pub in Boscawen Street, and an original 1967 newspaper detailing the hostelry’s sad demise when it was hit by an out-of-control lorry.

Cllr Douglas-Martin obtained the artefacts around six years ago. “I collect all things Truro, and a friend introduced me to someone who found the sugar bowl when clearing the debris from the accident,” she said. “They gave the items to me, and I showed them to my children, who said they were really nice but that was it.

“If they went to a museum, it’s likely they would be well cared-for but kept in a cupboard. That’s why I’m giving them into the stewardship of the council. Once the municipal chambers are fully restored, they can be put on display and everyone who visits will get to see them. I was mayoress of Truro for two years, and this is my little parting gift.”

The Red Lion was built as a family home in 1682 and opened as a hotel in 1769. Architect Silvanus Trevail was hired to add another storey in the late 19th century. But the unfortunate events of 1967 meant the building had to be demolished.

“It was an infamous day in Truro’s history, and a miracle no one was hurt,” said Cllr Douglas-Martin. Today, the site is occupied by later buildings including the Coop supermarket.

Cllr Wells said: “I welcome this addition to Truro City Council’s extensive collection of memorabilia. This is currently in storage due to the refurbishment of the municipal buildings, but we are hoping to display more items when we reopen to the public.”