Freemasons' Hall

Freemasons' Hall, formerly the White Hart Hotel, is an interesting building with significant historical connections. Built in the 1830s by Henry Trevithick to support his sister Jane, who was the wife of the renowned engineer Richard Trevithick, the building originally served as an inn. It is constructed of rendered walls with a hipped, almost pyramidal roof covered in scantle slate, with chimneys having been removed in the 20th century.

The building has a double-depth plan with two reception rooms at the front, flanking a central entrance hall which leads to a rear stair hall situated between two service rooms, although the layout may have been remodelled in the 20th century. Later extensions are present at the rear. The symmetrical north front has three windows and a central doorway, with a 20th-century door. The windows are originally hornless sashes; the window to the right of the doorway retains its original 16-pane configuration, while the others have had their secondary glazing bars removed to display four panes in each. Internal window shutters are present in the ground floor rooms. The interior has not been inspected.

The building holds considerable historical importance as Jane Trevithick managed the premises during Richard Trevithick's extended absences in South America, where he supervised the installation of engines in Peru. During this period, Richard sent no money to Jane. Upon his return to Falmouth in 1827, he apparently possessed only the clothes he wore, a gold watch, a drawing compass, a magnetic compass, and a pair of silver spurs. The White Hart Hotel also represents a vestige of Hayle’s former prosperity. A celebratory breakfast was given at the hotel for mine adventurers, customers, and four captains involved in the ceremonial opening of the sluices on December 27, 1834, to clear sand from the river. The interior remains uninspected.