LESKARD, a town in Cornwall, seated in a plain,
is a corporation, and sends two members to parliament. It had formerly a castle, now in ruins. It is one of the largest and best built towns in Cornwall, with the greatest market. It was first incorporated by Edward earl of Cornwall, afterwards by King John's son, Richard king of the Romans, and had privileges from Edward the Black Prince. Queen Elizabeth granted it a charter; by which it was to have a mayor and burghesses, who should have a perpetual succession, purchase lands, &c. Here is a handsome town hall built on stone pillars, with a turret on it, and a noble clock with four dials, a large church, a meeting house, an eminent free school, and a curious conduit; and on the adjacent commons, which feed multitudes of sheep, there have been frequent horse races. Here is a great trade in all manufactures of leather; and some spinning, which is encouraged by the clothiers of Devonshire. On the hills of North Lescard, and in the way from hence to Launceston, are many mines of tin, which is cast at the blowing houses into blocks, that are sent hither to be coined.