THE Gurney Stove — invented in the 1800s by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, who also built the Castle, Bude — has been shortlisted in the Cornwall Heritage Awards.

Those who have visited the Castle will have been sure to have seen the Gurney Stove, as it is positioned near the Castle’s entrance to welcome visitors inside. The Gurney Stove was an early type of radiator, and was one of Sir Goldsworthy’s most successful inventions. In fact, it is likely that Gurney’s design was the forerunner of the modern radiator!

The stove was installed into 22 cathedrals, including world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral, and over 10,000 churches, schools and government buildings across the country. There are still some working examples that have been converted to gas, at Chester, Hereford and Tewksbury.

Sir Goldsworthy Gurney is often described as Cornwall’s ‘forgotten genius’. He trained as a surgeon but excelled as an inventor, engineer and scientist. People may be surprised to discover he came up with many other inventions and innovations that changed British life.

One of Gurney’s most innovative ideas involved his home at the Castle in Bude, where by injecting a stream of oxygen into an oil flame, he invented a completely new system of lighting, known as the Bude Light, which was used to illuminate Trafalgar Square, Pall Mall and the Houses of Parliament, as well as the Castle.

A true Cornishman, Sir Goldsworthy Gurney’s inventions made a significant impact around the world, which still resonate today. To vote for the Gurney Stove to win ‘Cornish Object of the Year’ and help get Bude’s forgotten genius the recognition he deserves, cast a free vote via the Cornwall Museums Partnership website at www.cornwallmuseumspartnership.org.uk/the-gurney-stove-the-castle-heritage-centre-bude