Penzance has been a centre of engineering innovation since the industrial revolution. From the days of Humphrey Davy and Richard Travithick it has enjoyed a tradition of marine, mining and general engineering excellence.
The shipyard at Penzance was founded in 1834 and boasts the first dry dock in Europe. It is located at the cross-roads of one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with many ships plying their trade there every year.