Trewavas Mine

Trewavas Mine is situated along the coast from Porthleven. In my opinion it is one of the most dramatic mining sites in Cornwall.

I have visited it many times during my trips, to this day it still takes my breath away.

Trewavas Head Mine — Trewavas Mine 1 – So this is the first view of the site when walking from Rinsey Head.

The workings here went out under the sea following rich Copper deposits. The mine worked from 1835-1846 producing 17,500 tons of Copper and employing over 150 miners.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 2 – The Engine Houses here have recently been renovated (2015). These pictures were taken during the late 1990’s.

The final depth was around 600ft which was accessed by a diagonal shaft slightly inland. The closer Engine House is on Old Engine Shaft, the distant house is on New Engine Shaft. These images were taken before the buildings were stabilised and made safe.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 3 – The two Engine Houses on a stormy day. Also in the foreground the flat area is the site of the capstan winch.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 4 – The 45 ” Pumping Engine House on “New Engine Shaft” in the cliff below can be seen the entrance to the choked adit. This area is extremely dangerous and care should be taken when visiting.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 5 – Infront of the Engine House there are two shafts, one vertical and one on the incline. There is a large Capstan Flat area here which the Royal Navy also use for Helicopter landing practice.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 6 – This is quite a view of the Engine House. It really shows how precariously close to the edge of the cliff it is.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 7 – This image shows how badly the Engine Houses required stabilising. The wooden lintel was broken but still holding the stone above it.

Trewavas Mine — Trewavas Mine 8 – A side on view of the Engine House, it was a stormy day with busy seas. This house held a 70″ Pumping Engine.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 9 – Both Engine Houses are perched right on the edge of the cliffs.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 10 – A panorama of both Engine Houses of Trewavas Mine. The capstan flat is in the foreground. A few seconds after this was taken the heavens opened.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 11 – So, the setting for this mine is quite amazing.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 12 – A front view of the 45″ Pumping Engine House and chimney. Also the shaft is open to adit level.

Cornish Mine Images — Cornish Mine Images 13 – Finally, looking back across the site of Trewavas Mine. From this angle the condition of the closer Engine House can be seen. Like its close neighbour it was in dire need of attention.

West Chiverton Mine

error: Copyright Simon Jones 2022