Part of the mining complex at Wheal Peevor

Reasons for Designation

Tin and copper mining were of immense value to Cornwall, in terms of its economy, social and political development and the effects on the population. The dependence on technology for deep mining ventures produced some of the most characteristic buildings, tall elegant and distinctive with their associated chimneys they are strongly associated with the Cornish landscape still. The importance of these buildings, the surface 'tip of the iceberg' in terms of physical remains related to this vital and important industry most of which is hidden form view beneath the surface provides a visible focus for this important element of Cornwall's past which influenced not only local but world history with migrations of both the mining technology and the miners. This also includes the surface 'dressing' which the raw ore needed to undergo including crushing and washing and calcining in the case of arsenic which all formed part of this integrated process. The part of the mining complex at Wheal Peevor survives well and it is possible to understand the entire surface processes associated with this highly productive and important mine. It will contain archaeological, environmental and chemical evidence associated with the development of technology and economic production of these valuable minerals.

Details

The monument includes part of the mining complex at Wheal Peevor, situated at the western end of North Downs, to the north of Redruth. Wheal Peevor has a long history, with a particularly concentrated phase of activity between the years 1872 and 1887 when it worked for copper, tin and pyrite. Most of the substantial visible surviving surface remains date to this period. The surviving structures include three engine houses with chimneys for winding, pumping and stamping with associated boiler houses; the capstan to a winder; stamps and two Brunton calciners for arsenic production; processing floors; settling tanks; buddles; blacksmith's stores; workshops; fitting shops; and ancillary structures.

Begun as a copper mine, by 1790 it was part of Great North Downs Mine. It reopened in 1872 as a separate mining concern, primarily for tin. It was eventually abandoned by 1887. In 1912 an attempt was made to modernize and re-open the mine and also to extract wolfram but it had closed again by 1918. A further failed re-opening took place in 1938. Although small, the mine was extremely rich. Between the years 1872 and 1889 it produced 3280 tons of black tin, five tons of copper ore, seven tons of pyrite and twelve tons of arsenopyrite. From 1912 to 1918 nine tons of black tin and 3.5cwt of wolfram were recovered.

The pumping engine house (66851), winding engine house (66852) and stamping engine house (66853) are all Listed Grade II.

Wheal Peevor is contained within the World Heritage Site of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-428086, 1476485, 1476489 and 1476511

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CO 875

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

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