Charlestown, which is near St Austell, grew out of a small fishing village called West Polmear (also West Porthmear). It was developed in the Georgian era (specifically from 1790 when work on building the outer quay began to 1799 when the first dock gates were erected). The new town was named after local landowner Charles Rashleigh who had a hand in its design. The works were to the plans of England's first recognised civil engineer, John Smeaton. It was originally built to facilitate the transport of copper from nearby mines but its main function became the export of china clay from the region's quarries. The inner harbour (pictured) is normally home to several tall ships and other sailing vessels.
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