Early in the 1800s Liskeard became a boom town with the development of the copper, lead, silver and arsenic mines in the district. Its wealth grew rapidly as did its population and both grand houses and squalid slums sprang up. The principal architect in the town at that time was Henry Rice and he designed over a 100 of the houses and buildings which still exist and give the town its character. A Henry Rice Trail map is available from Stuart House and from Liskeard & District Museum. This A3 sized map is based on the 1907 OS map of the town, and highlights every one of his buildings.

A corner of the Henry Rice Trail map

Guided walks around the Henry Rice trail are organised from time to time; see the 'Diary' page for details of any upcoming walks. Guided walks can also be arranged for smallish groups. These can optionally include a tour around Stuart House itself, and refreshments. Please discuss requirements with the House Manager initially. Information for the Henry Rice Trail map was compiled for Stuart House by George Vaughan Ellis R.I.B.A. from his "Local Heroes" archives, and more detail about the life and times of Henry Rice is given in this talk he gave.

George is currently working on a book about the works of Henry Rice who, apart from these buildings, was also involved in the design of turnpikes, railways, sewerage systems, and even a pigsty. So watch this space.........

An album of photographs of his buildings is available for viewing in Stuart House. Regular Henry Rice exhibitions also include some of his work from further afield

The "Henry Rice" room in the Liskeard and District Museum (No.1 on the Henry Rice Trail Map) contains artefacts and drawings relating to his work. Also here, there is a collection of Henry Rice original plans and documents which may be viewed by appointment. Contact the Curator of 01579 346087

Here are some pictures of Henry Rice buildings

Varley Terrace 1865 No. 34

The Fountain 1872   No. 20 with the Town Hall behind

A trio of superb buildings 1873 No. 21

The Tollhouse at Moorswater 1878 No. 59

The Old Stag Hotel   No. 56 Built as a railway hotel in 1882, and still serving as such