1896 advertisement for GWR in Penzance.
Fares from Paddington to Penzance - First : 50shillings and 6pence; Second 31shillings and 6 pence; Third 25shillings and 3pence; Returns - First 88shillings and 6pence; Second 35shillings and 4pence.
An extensive export trade is carried on in Penzance in tin, copper, leather and granite, vegetables, flowers and fish, particular mention being made of ETL Perry's Marinated Pilchards - a world export.
20shillings was £1 then; a shilling was divided into 12 pence.
Based on Average Earnings of the time with that held now, that would equate to a First Class Single from London To Penzance of £1,200. Even based on the RPI it would be £208 single.
