The new Market House was paid for by John Francis Basset, the squire of Tehidy The Bassets were leading local landowners, with the family coat of arms visible in the stonework. In 1911, a two-storey Italian-palazzo-style extension was added along the Church Street side of the building. This was known as St George’s Hall and later became the Scala Cinema.

A photograph and text about The John Francis Basset

The text reads: This grade II listed building is the former Market House, built in 1866–67. It stands on the site of a smaller Market House, which was severely damaged during a storm two years earlier. The new building also housed the Camborne Savings Bank (facing Commercial Street), with assembly rooms above.

The new Market House was paid for by John Francis Basset, ‘Squire of Tehidy’. The Bassets were leading local landowners, and the family coat of arms can be seen in the stonework. In 1911, a two-storey ‘Italian palazzo style’ extension was added along Church Street.

A portrait of Francis Basset, Lord de Dunstanville

A photograph and text about the clock tower in Camborne 

The text reads: Imagine being Big Ben’s little brother…

Master clockmakers Dent’s of London imagined just that and created a timepiece commissioned by John Francis Basset to sit in the clock tower here in Camborne. It is said to be a miniature replica of the famous Big Ben which sits within the Palace of Westminster, London.

External photograph of the building – main entrance