LISKEARD’S rich history has been brought to life for visitors through a heritage festival which has opened the doors to some of the town’s most fascinating buildings, stories and traditions.

Liskeard Unlocked has given people the chance to step beyond the familiar streets and gain a unique insight into the people, places, trades and skills which have helped shape the town.

Councillor David Braithwaite, mayor of Liskeard, said he was grateful to everyone involved in creating the programme.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in Liskeard Unlocked. The willingness of so many people to share their time, knowledge and skills has made this a wonderful celebration of our town, its heritage and its community.”

The event has formed part of the national Heritage Open Days Festival and was also selected for its Spotlight programme, putting Liskeard’s heritage, historic buildings, craftspeople and community-led activities in front of a wider audience.

For visitors, one of the biggest attractions has been the opportunity to discover aspects of Liskeard’s past which are not always visible during everyday life.

Historic buildings have opened their doors, while exhibitions, heritage trails and displays have revealed stories of the town and the people who lived and worked there.

Traditional skills have also taken centre stage, with demonstrations covering leatherworking, bookbinding, embroidery, lace making, Gansey knitting, hand spinning, jewellery making, pottery, stained glass and traditional signwriting.

At Boost House, Liskeard Market Makers artists have opened their studios and shared their creative skills, while Stuart House and Liskeard Museum have used exhibitions, displays and hands-on activities to connect visitors with the town’s history.

There have also been opportunities to explore buildings which many local people may never previously have entered, including churches, heritage venues and the home of Liskeard Masonic Lodge.

Perhaps the most memorable discoveries have come through personal stories.

At Graylands, a visitor arrived with a long-lost key to the property’s safe. The key fitted perfectly, allowing the new owner to use the safe once again and providing an unexpected link between the building’s past and its new chapter.

Sue Jewell, a family member of the new owners, said welcoming visitors had helped uncover even more of the building’s story.

“It was so lovely welcoming folk to a house which is soon to be a home. To hear from people whose family had lived and worked there brought history alive and added a bit more colour to the fascinating story these walls hold.”

Liskeard Unlocked continues to offer opportunities to discover the town’s heritage, with buildings including Moorswater Lodge, Luxstowe House, Our Lady & St Neot Catholic Church and St Martin’s Church opening up their histories to visitors.

Stuart House and Liskeard & District Museum are also continuing to showcase exhibitions exploring the lives, trades, industries and stories which have shaped the town.

At its heart, Liskeard Unlocked is more than a celebration of old buildings. It is an opportunity for people to understand how the town became what it is today – through the lives, work, skills and memories of generations of local people.