independent Cornish news and comment

NEPTUNE PROTECTS HISTORIC MINE

The National Trust has successfully acquired one of the most important mines and dramatically suited engine houses in Cornwall - Trewavas nr Porthleven.


Trewavas Mine, its two engine houses and 30 acres of coastline have been bought with funds raised by supporters of the Trust’s Neptune Coastline Campaign and four legacies. The Neptune Coastline Campaign was set up in 1965 to protect Britain’s coastline from development and to enable public access to the coast.

The engine houses are perched precariously on Trewavas Cliff and form part of the newly designated Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. They now join other iconic mining sites in the care of the Trust in Cornwall such as Botallack near St Just and Wheal Coates nr St Agnes.

Lawrence Holmes, founder member of the Carn Brae Mining Society says:
“Trewavas Mine represents the last big mining consolidation project yet to be completed in Cornwall. The site is unique, spectacular, and breathtakingly beautiful. It has stirred the imagination of walkers, photographers, painters and historians for years, and I am delighted the National Trust has acquired this marvellous site for the nation.”

The Trust is now planning the work required to consolidate and make safe the mine buildings, chimneys and mineshafts. Detailed archaeological, historical and wildlife surveys will be completed to guide the sensitive restoration work, which is hoped to be undertaken next winter. Specialist contractors will undertake the work, using traditional methods and materials.

The Trust will also be working to enhance safe public access around the site, as well as managing the important coastal heathlands, grasslands and cliffs which support a variety of plants and animals.

Mike Hardy of the National Trust says:
“The consolidation work to stabilise the buildings is going to be challenging due to the sensitivity of the site and the difficulties in providing access to the engine houses, but we are working closely with everyone concerned to complete the work as soon as possible.

“We would really welcome any information people may have about the site, whether it is old maps, photographs or memories. All these help build up a better picture of the history of the area and improve our understanding of it.”

Trewavas Mine began operating in 1834 and had a short, but productive life. By 1842 the mine had produced 10,838 tons of Copper ore with a value at the time of £71,981. However, it closed only a few years later in 1846. Reports vary on the cause of closure, but it is known that active workings extended out below the sea bed and the ‘fear of a visit from Old Neptune’ was never far away.

Deborah Boden, Co-ordinator for the for the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site says:
“The engine houses at Trewavas offer a glimpse of how precarious mining could be. Whilst visually striking, the delicate condition of these important elements of the WHS was a cause for concern, and stabilisation of the site will be a great achievement. The National Trust is to be congratulated for the enthusiasm and commitment they have shown both to this site and the other internationally important industrial heritage assets throughout the WHS in their care.”