Carharrack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carharrack
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 Carharrack |
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| Population | 1,348 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | SW732414 |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | REDRUTH |
| Postcode district | TR16 |
| Dialling code | 01209 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Carharrack (which is Karardhek in Cornish) is a small village in west Cornwall, England. It's about 3 kilometers (2 miles) east of Redruth. This area used to be very important for mining.
The village is mostly rural and residential. However, you can still see many old buildings from its mining past. These include abandoned engine houses. Carharrack is a fairly small area. It is surrounded by other parishes like St Day, Gwennap, and Lanner.
Before 1985, Carharrack was part of the Gwennap parish. But in May 1985, it became its own civil parish. This means it has its own local council.
Contents
What's in a Name? Carharrack's Meaning
The exact meaning of the name Carharrack is not fully known. One idea is that it comes from the Cornish words ker or cayr Ardhek. This could mean "Arthroc's fort."
Another idea is that the name relates to a religious meeting place. This is because Carharrack was near a famous pilgrimage trail. This trail went between Canterbury and St Michael's Mount. It passed through nearby villages like St Day and Lanner.
A third idea suggests the name comes from Car or Caer Harrack. This means a "camp" or "settlement near the rock." This might refer to Carn Marth, a large granite hill that overlooks the village. All these ideas have some evidence to support them.
Carharrack's Past: A Village History
The first mentions of this area are from around the year 1290. But records of homes in Carharrack itself only start from the 1700s. The village grew very quickly in the early 1800s. This was because local mines were expanding. These mines employed thousands of people. Carharrack was the closest village and had lots of space for new houses.
However, by the 1860s, the copper mining industry in Cornwall began to decline. Many people from Carharrack had to leave to find work elsewhere.
A Wesleyan Methodist Chapel opened in the village in 1815. This building is now a Methodist church. It was changed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Carharrack church opened on February 20, 1884. It cost about £600 to build and can hold nearly 200 people.
In the late 1900s, the village lost many local jobs and services. Even though new houses have been built, Carharrack is now mostly a "dormitory village." This means most people live there but travel to other places for work.
Mining in Carharrack: A Rich Heritage
Carharrack is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. This whole area is a World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as very important globally. Carharrack is in the Redruth Mining District of this special area.
Just east of the village was the site of the Consolidated Mines. These mines were formed in 1782. They brought together Carharrack Mine and other local tin and copper mines. The mines used the Redruth and Chasewater Railway. This was an early narrow gauge railway line. It connected the mines to ports at Devoran on Cornwall's south coast. The railway closed in 1915. Now, its path is a popular walking and cycling trail. It's part of Cornwall's Mineral Tramway Trails.
Carharrack is also known as the "type locality" for a mineral called Olivenite. This means Olivenite was first found and described here. It's a shiny, crystalline rock. It often has a green or olive color.
Culture and Sport in Carharrack
Carharrack has some interesting connections to culture and sports.
The electronic musician Aphex Twin made a remix of his song "Ventolin." He called it "Ventolin (Carharrack Mix)." This remix was released in 1995.
The village also has a brass band called Carharrack and St Day. They often play for the St Day feast dances.
Carharrack's Football Team
Carharrack has its own football team, Carharrack AFC. They play in the Cornwall Combination League. The team was champions in the 2016–17 season.
Cornish Wrestling Traditions
Cornish wrestling tournaments have been held in Carharrack. These events took place in a field next to the Steam Engine Inn.
You can also learn about wrestling in nearby villages: wrestling in Lanner, wrestling in Gwennap, and wrestling in Frogpool.
See also
In Spanish: Carharrack para niños
