South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2: this page has images taken at the site over a period of time. I have tried to place them into chronological order.
Sadly I took no pictures of the site after it had been securely fenced off after the fires. I think it upset me too much to see such a wonderful opportunity for an amazing preservation, go up in smoke.
South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.1 – This is the only photograph of the site I have whilst it was still working. By this time the shaft was only used occasionally with all the man riding having been transferred to Cooks Shaft. The workshops, offices and timber treatment plant were still operating. The timber in the foreground is awaiting transfer for use underground.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.2 – The site whilst South Crofty still had control, and before the vandals had gained entry.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.3 – A closer view showing the Engine House and the headframe.
The headframe is 77ft high standing proudly over the shaft. Originally made of wood, during 1925 it was replaced by a steel frame which was built around the existing so the mine could continue operating.
The small building behind the headframe contains the capstan winch, behind that the Electric Winder House.
South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.4 – The site after it had been cleared by South Crofty. Windows had been boarded up, the wire ropes had been removed from the cages and the shaft area had been fenced off. It was a very special place to take photographs. But I did not realise the place would deteriorate so quickly.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.5 – The fenced off shaft area also the buildings around it.
The chimney behind used to serve the Steam Winder and Compressor House.
When the pumping engine was retired the stack of the engine house was reduced in height. Also the rear balcony “Bob Plat” used to maintain the beam, was removed.
South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.6 – This turntable at the top of the shaft would allow a wagon coming from any direction on the site to be loaded into the cage for lowering down into the mine. In the background is the Compressor House with an air collecting tank on the outside of the building. Also on the left is the Blacksmith’s Workshop.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.7 – Certainly like this image, simple and detailed.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.8 – It was a good day for photography, I so wish that I had spent more time there.South Crofty Robinsons Shaft 2.9 – A side on view of the Headframe, in the foreground the entrance to the workshops.Cornish Mine Images 2.10 – This is the modern Compressor House built during the 1970’s to supply the underground rockdrills with compressed air.Cornish Mine Images 2.11 – A detailed image of a window at the “Old” Compressor House at Robinson’s this building dates from around 1910. It was extended during the 1970’s when the machinery inside was updated.
So at the back of the site on the Station Road side there was a rare treat. Placed on wooden blocks there was a single flue Cornish Boiler. Amazing, but there are not many of these in Cornwall nowadays.
Cornish Mine Images 2.12 – The front of the Cornish Boiler on the site, also in the background is the old mine garage.Cornish Mine Images 2.13. – Another more detailed image of the front of the boiler.Cornish Mine Images 2.14 – The final image of the boiler. This was moved to Harriet’s Shaft on Dolcoath Mine. In the background is the original mine Sample House.Cornish Mine Images 2.15 – This image is looking back at the site. From left to right; Robinson’s Engine House, Pump Engine Boiler House, Electric Winder House and the Steam Winder Boiler House, in the foreground the old boiler.Cornish Mine Images 2.16 – The rear of the mine offices, in the background is the engine house and headframe.Cornish Mine Images 2.17 – A smashed window looking into the Miner’s Dry.Cornish Mine Images 2.18 – Old South Crofty wagons abandoned on site, makes a detailed composition. However I hope these were saved before the site was cleared.Cornish Mine Images 2.19 – This is looking back at the site from the main entrance (Station Road Side). A good view because it shows the original site layout and shows many of the buildings that were lost.Cornish Mine Images 2.20 – At the far end of the site are the remains of South Crofty’s Bickford’s Shaft, originally part of Tincroft Mine.
The shaft here was 150 fathoms deep but narrow and crooked, it could take only a single skip. When Robinson’s started to operate it replaced Bickford’s and took over as the main haulage shaft of the mine. The square chimney was for a steam hoist that served the shaft.
The South Crofty Robinson’s complex was unique and I loved the time I spent there. In so many ways it felt I was intruding on the peace that prevailed. By no means did I cover all the site but I hope the images on this page convey the mystery. Along with the atmosphere and some magic of the place.
