Tolgus Calciner 2013

Tolgus Calciner 2013: I have been driving past the Tolgus Calciner for many years without stopping again. So I thought one day I would park up and have a wander around again with the cameras.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — A cross section of a Brunton Calciner. Used to remove impurities such as Arsenic from the mined ore these were in use from the 1830’s right up until the 1950’s.

I had not visited the site since the early 1990’s. This unique survivor has suffered over the years with the weather taking its toll. Thieves have removed the doors to the ovens and the temporary structure attached has all but collapsed.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.1 – Early morning is the best time for photographs when the sun is full on the Calciner. The main structure is still in fair condition. The Arsenic Flue leading to a chimney runs up the hill behind the building.

The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It would however be nice to see it treated as such and receive some much needed renovation.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.2 – Sadly the structure protecting the oven stoke holes has suffered over the years.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.3 – The extensive bracing is holding the walls together but the mortar between is falling out.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.4 – The drive mechanism is still intact, I would imagine the internal metalwork is also still in situ.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.5 – An image of the corner of the Calciner structure showing the extensive bracing on the outside to strengthen the stonework against the heat. The block work is generally in good condition, however much of the mortar requires some attention. Also to be seen on the wall is an electrical feed.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.6 – A detailed photograph of the wall brace and the electrical connection.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.7 – The structure has all but collapsed. I now understand in recent storms it has now been totally destroyed.

Tolgus Calciner 2013 — Tolgus Calciner 2013.8 – This image is looking at the “Oven Doors”, sadly the remains of the doors have been removed.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 9 – This was taken standing at the rear of the structure looking towards the oven doors. Due to the state of the supporting beams safety should be considered before access, it will not be long before it has all collapsed.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 10 – I climbed up on the hill behind the Calciner to get this shot, it shows the sad condition of the roof, once the weather starts to get in the whole structure will suffer badly.

By luck the access door was open so I managed to get inside. The roof had suffered in many places and the damp was starting to take a hold. The place was covered in graffiti testament to the locals who regularly visit.

But in all fairness vandalism was not really an issue, it is just time and neglect.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 11 – Access to the second level was possible, as the entry door was standing open. This image shows the funnel which would have fed the ore onto the rotating hearth below where the impurities were roasted out.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 12 – Taken on the inside looking up into the roof space. Still all in very good condition, for the moment.

Tolgus Tin Works

error: Copyright Simon Jones 2022