An intriguing find by Coastline Services employees has shone a light on the history of an historic Penzance building.

While carrying out routine maintenance to the Garlidna Alms House on Tremenheere Road, two engineers discovered a well-hidden box of original records relating to the property and a heavily tarnished plaque marking its original opening in 1906.

The plaque has been restored to its former glory and put back up in the building on display for residents.

Col Edward Bolitho, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, had the honour of unveiling the plaque alongside the chairman of Coastline Housing, Derek Law.

“We determined that Edward Bolitho was a descendant of Richard Foster Bolitho Ponsandane, who erected and opened the building in 1906 and was named on the original plaque discovered in the building," said Mr Law. "We were delighted when Col Bolitho agreed to represent his ancestor and officially unveil the plaque once again on behalf of Coastline and the current residents of Garlidna.”

Other items found alongside the plaque included original visitor books for the Alms House, booklets of rules for people living there, petty cash books, accounts, invoices, cheques and numerous other pieces of correspondence.

Allister Young, chief executive of Coastline Housing, added: “Exploring the historical documents has been absolutely fascinating and given us a real insight into life in Penzance in the early 1900s. Many of the local businesses and families referred to in some of the paperwork are still around in the town today, whilst others are now assigned to the history books.”

Coastline Housing will be donating the historical artefacts to the Cornwall Records Office.