Gwennap |
Mining in Gwennap
Index to Articles
Gwennap Mining In The 19th Century
The View From Carn Marth In 1837
1871 Tools of The Cornish Miner
Gwennap miners mentioned in the 1842 Royal Commission Report
Gwennap Miners on the Cornwall Miners Index [opens in another window]
Mining Articles Etc. relating to Gwennap
The Gouch (Gook) or Cornish bonnet
Michael Loam, the Inventor of the Cornish Man Engine
Gwennap Mining In The 19th Century
Over 3,000 shafts are known to have existed in the old Gwennap parish and although today most have been capped there may still be shafts which lie in wait for the unwary amongst the gorse and bracken of the old mining district. The map above shows the known shafts in the United mines area of the parish. The aerial photograph is of the area of the Great Consolidated Mines. Below is a piece taken from Cornish Notes & Queries, 1906.
"In twenty one years the Consolidated Mines in Gwennap (in which parish the steam engine was first applied to real work) paid dividends amounting to £480.156, and Tresavean gave the adventurers nearly £350,000 in eleven years. For long periods together the mines in this parish ( which are of depth and have been worked for ages) produced ore to the value of £1,000 per day, and often much more. The value of the whole produce of this parish, in tin and copper in the last century, cannot it is estimated be less than £10,000,000."
The View From Carn Marth in 1837
The following is a graphic description of the Gwennap mining district written by W. Jory HENWOOD, F.G.S., in 1837. It is to be found in Volume V of the Transactions of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall;
"To
one unaccustomed to a mining industry, the view from Carnmarth, which is a
rocky eminence of 757 feet, is full of novelty.
Over a surface neither mountainous or flat, but diversified from sea to
sea by a constant series of low, undulating hills and vales, the farmer
and the miner seem to be occupying the country in something like the
confusion of warfare. The
situations of the Consolidated Mines, the United
Mines, the Poldice Mine, etc., are marked out by spots a mile in length by half
a mile in breadth, covered with what are termed 'deads' of the mine, i.e. slatey,
poisonous rubbish, thrown up in ragged heaps, which at a distance give the place
the appearance of an encampment of soldiers' tents.
This lifeless mass follows the course of the main lode (p. 241) (usually
east and west), and from it, in different directions, minor branches of the same
barren rubbish diverge through the fertile country, like the streams of lava
from a volcano. The miner, being
obliged to have a shaft for air at every hundred yards, and the stannary laws
allowing him freely to pursue his game, his hidden path is commonly to be traced
by a series of heaps of 'deads' which rise up among the green fields and among
the grazing cattle like the workings of a mole.
Steam-engines and whims (large capstans worked by two or four horses) are scattered about, and in the neighbourhood of the old as well as of the new workings are sprinkled, one by one, a number of small whitewashed miner's cottages, which being neither on a road nor near a road, have, to the eye of a stranger, the appearance of having been dropt down apropos to nothing.
"Early
in the morning the scene becomes animated. From
the scattered cottages, as far as the eye can reach, men, women and children of
all ages begin to creep out; and it is curious to observe them all converging
like bees towards the small hole at which they are to enter the mine.
On their arrival the women and children, whose duty it is to dress or
clean the ore, repair to the rough sheds under which they work, while the men,
having stripped and put on their underground clothes (which are coarse flannel
dresses), one after another descend
the
several shafts of the mine by perpendicular ladders to their respective levels
or galleries. As soon as they have
all disappeared a most remarkable stillness prevails--scarcely a human being is
to be seen. The tall chimneys of
the steam engines emit no smoke, and nothing is in motion but the great 'bobs'
or levers of these gigantic machines.
"As soon as the men come to grass they repair to the engine-house, where they generally leave their underground clothes to dry, wash themselves in the warm water of the engine pool, and put on their clothes, which are always exceedingly decent. By this time the maidens and little boys have also washed their faces, and the whole party migrate across the fields in groups and in different directions, to their respective homes.
Generally speaking, they no look so clean and fresh and seem so happy that one would scarcely fancy they had worked all day in darkness and confinement. The old men, tired with their work and sick of the follies and vagaries of the outside and the inside of this mining world ,plod their way in sober silence probably thinking of their supper. The younger men proceed talking and laughing, and where the grass is good they will sometimes stop and wrestle. The big boys generally advance by playing at leap-frog; little urchins run on before to gain time to stand upon their heads, while the maidens, sometimes pleased and sometimes offended with what happens, smile or scream as circumstances may require. As the different members of the group approach their respective cottages, their numbers, of course, diminish, and the individual survivor of a large family performs the last few yards on his journey by himself."
the chant of a Gwennap bal maiden:
" I can buddy, and I can rocky, and I can walk like a man,
I can lobby * and shaky and please the old Jan."
* Toss
1871: TOOLS OF THE CORNISH MINER
The
Cornish miner had to find his way through rock of a very difficult character,
sometimes consisting of solid granite, or elvan rock of excessive hardness. His
tools were few, but they were well adapted to their job; consisting, besides
those represented in the following engraving, of a small wedge or two of steel,
denominated a gad, which is driven into the rock by the round end of
the pick, for the purpose of splitting and detaching portions from the mass.
-
1 2
The
instruments: 1 is the pick of the miner: 2. the shovel: 3. the sledge: 4. the
borer: 5. the claying bar: 6. the
needle: aka the nail: 7. the scraper: 8. the tamping bar: 9. the
tin cartridge for blasting where the rock is wet. Add to these a horn to carry
his gunpowder, rushes to supply him with fuses, and a little touch-paper or
slow fuse and you have the equipment used by the Cornish miner.
Important Disclaimer: This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.
CORNWALL & DEVON Newspaper Sources CT. Cornish Telegraph - PG. Penzance Gazette - RCG. Royal Cornwall Gazette - SM. Sherborne & Yeovil Mercury PD. Plymouth & Devonport Weekly Journal - PH. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse Herald - PJ. Penzance Journal PN. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse News - WB. West Briton - WMN Western Morning News WDM. Western Daily Mercury - WM. Weekly Mercury, Plymouth
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Name of Mine |
Location |
First & Last References plus other information |
Ale & Cakes |
Near United Downs |
mindat SM 7.10.1782 - WB 23.4.1841 |
Barrier Mine |
0 |
0 |
Besowe |
SW 785444 |
0 |
Bell Vean |
WMN 4.2.80 |
|
Boscawen |
Kenwyn Parish |
0 |
Carharrack Mine |
SW745413 |
SM 5.8.1776 - WB 9.9.1842 |
Carvannel Mine |
0 |
WB6.4..32-16.9.1842 WMN 21.6.1860 |
Carvillo |
0 |
RCG8.2.39 |
Cathedral Mine |
SW717415 |
|
Coffinowla |
0 |
SM 14.10.1793 - 21.10.1893 |
Consolidated Mines |
0 |
SM24.4.1786 RCG18.7.1928 |
Copper Hill Mine |
0 |
|
Creegbrawse & Penkivel United |
0 |
0 |
Cupboard |
0 |
SM 29.6.1778 - SM7.10.1782 |
Cusvey |
0 |
WB 20.9.1839 |
East Ale & Cake |
0 |
RCG 25.5.1811 - WB 2.3.1827 |
East Wheal Damsel |
SW741418 |
WB 28.11.1828 - CT1.3.1871 |
East Wheal Virgin |
Located about 700 m NW of Carharrack. |
|
East Wheal Maid |
0 |
WB 4.12.1840 - 16.9.1842 |
East Penstruthal |
0 |
WB 6.4.1832 |
East Ting Tang |
0 |
SM 14.10.1793 - 21.10.1893 |
East Wheal Virgin |
0 |
SM7.11.1768 - 20.4.1795 |
Grambler & St Aubyn |
0 |
WB 9.4.1841 - CT 25.11.1863 |
Great Briggan |
0 |
0 |
Gwennap Great Copper Mines |
0 |
SM 24.6.1793 |
Gwennap Mining Company |
0 |
WB 4.11.1825 - 5.1.1827 |
Little Cupboard |
0 |
SM 29.6.1778 |
Mount Wellington Mine |
SW761419 |
RCG 20.1.1937 |
New Cathedral |
0 |
WDM 26.2.1880 - WMN 31.1.1881 |
New Clifford |
0 |
0 |
New Consolidated |
0 |
RCG 2.7.1814 |
North Penstruthal |
0 |
WDM 26.2.1880 - CT17.4.1884 |
North Hallenbeagle & East Downs |
SW 728446 |
0 |
North Wheal Damsel |
See Tolcarne Mine |
0 |
North Wheal Jewel |
0 |
WB 4.12.1840 -16.9.1842 |
Pengenna Mine |
0 |
0 |
Pennance Consols (formerly Wheal Amelia) |
0 |
WMN28.1.1874 - 31.1.1874 |
Penstruthal Mine |
0 |
WB 21.10.1825 - WDM 18.2.1878 |
Poldice |
0 |
SM 31.8.1767 - WB 25.4.1817 |
Poldice Great & Little |
0 |
SM 8.10.1770 - 15.10.1770. |
Poldory |
near United Mines |
SM 29.6.1778 - CT 1.3.1871 |
Roselabby |
0 |
SM 26.4.1802 - |
Rose Lobby |
0 |
SM 20.8.1770 - PG24.5.1843 |
St Day |
0 |
WB12.6.1835 |
St Day United |
0 |
PD 2.6.1853 - CT 26.9.1866 |
South Ale & Cakes |
0 |
WDM 11.1.1877 |
South Wheal Buller |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 - CT 18.1.1865 |
South Penstruthal Mine |
0 |
WDM 26.2.1880 - CT 17.4.1884 |
South Poldory Mine |
0 |
WB 21.7.1837 |
Ting Tang & Clifford Amalgamated |
SW 730410 |
SM 23.3.1772 - CT 19.1.1870 |
Tolcarne Mine |
SW725422 |
SM 14.11.1791 - PG24.5.43 |
Tolgullow United Mine |
0 |
CT 24.1.1889 - CT 31.1.1889 |
Treviskey Mine |
0 |
SM1.6.1789 - |
Tresavean & Tretharrup |
SW721394 |
SM 26.11.1764 - RCG 12.9.1928 |
Treskerby Mine |
0 |
SM24.4.1786 - RCG 18.7.1928 |
Treskerby Adit |
0 |
SM 7.11.1768 - 14.11.1768. |
Tretharup |
0 |
WB 8.11.1833 - WDM 20.5.1871 |
Trethellan Mine |
SW717392 |
SM 8.5.1786 - WMN 11.6.1860 |
Treviskey Mine |
0 |
SM 1.6.1789 - PD 24.8.1848 |
Treviskey & Barrier Mine |
0 |
PD 26.11.1846 - PD 28.3.1850 |
West Clifford United Mine |
See Ting Tang Mine |
CT 22.11.1865 - WMN22.4.1874 |
West Wheal Damsel |
SW725410 |
|
West Wheal Jewell |
See Tolcarne |
0 |
West Wheal Virgin |
Located about 700 m NW of Carharrack |
|
Wheal Amelia |
0 |
WB 31.5.1833 - 16.9.1842 |
Wheal Andrew |
SW761419 |
mindat WB 26.9.1834 - PG10.11.1847 |
Wheal Beauchamp |
0 |
RCG 10.9.1803 - WB 15.11.1839 |
Wheal Bell / Bell Mine |
0 |
SM 10.12.1781 - PG 22.10.1845 |
Wheal Brewer |
0 |
WB 9.12.1836 - PJ 15.12.1847 |
Wheal Burrow |
0 |
SM 14.10.1793 - 21.9.1793 |
Wheal Bush, Creegbrawse |
SW 737436 |
0 |
Wheal Clifford |
0 |
mindat WB 31.5.1833 - WMN11.4.76 |
Wheal Chance |
0 |
SM 27.2.1792 - WMN 29.4.1874 |
Wheal Clinton |
0 |
SM 14.10.1793 - WB -16.9.42 |
Wheal Comford |
0 |
PJ 16.6.1847 - WMN 22.1.1883 |
Wheal Comford & North Tresavean |
0 |
WMN 26.1.1880 - CT 5.1.1888 |
Wheal Cusgarne |
0 |
SM 12.10.1772 |
Wheal Damsel |
SW728417 |
mindat SM 27.2.1792 - WDM 14.3.1871 |
Wheal Fortune |
0 |
SM 25.4.1785 - PG17.5.1843 |
Wheal Gorland |
SW 730427 |
mindat Wheal Gorland Web Site SM 11.5.1772 - WB1.7.1842 |
Wheal Grambler |
near Ninnis |
mindat WB 26.8.1836 - WB 25.2.1842 |
Wheal Henry |
SW 753427 |
0 |
Wheal Hope |
0 |
RCG 2.7.1808 - PG 7.5.1845 |
Wheal Jewell |
SW735421 |
mindat SM 11.5.1772 - PD 18.5.1848 |
Wheal Looney |
0 |
RCG 17.9.1841 |
Wheal Lovelace |
0 |
WB20.9.39 |
Wheal Luney |
0 |
RCG 17.9.1841 - PG22.9.1841 |
Wheal Maid |
SW744421 |
mindat RCG 24.1.1807 - WB 20.7.1827 |
Wheal Man Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Moyle |
0 |
WB 23.9.1836 |
Wheal Muttrell [see Wheal Gorland Web] |
0 |
mindat SM 30.12.1793 - 21.1.1799 |
Wheal Trinity |
0 |
RCG 4.7.1835 |
Wheal Unity Adit Adventure |
0 |
SM 20.8.1770 |
Wheal Unity See Wheal Gorland Web |
0 |
|
Wheal Unity Wood |
SW 735437 |
|
Wheal Union |
0 |
WB 9.2.1827 - 2.3.1827 |
Wheal Virgin |
see Consolidated Mines |
0 |
United Downs Mine |
0 |
|
United Mines |
SW 748416 |
|
Wheal Virgin |
0 |
SM 9.11.1772 - PG 1.2.1843 |
West Wheal Damsel |
0 |
WB 28.11.1828 - CT 5.4.1871 |
West Wheal Hope |
0 |
RCG 25.5.1811 - 15.8.1812 |
West Wheal Jewel |
0 |
WB 26.2.1836 - WDM 3.3.1880 |
West Penstruthal |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 - WB 6.4.1832 |
West Poldice |
0 |
WDM 29.4.1874 - CT 14.1.1886 |
West Ting Tang |
0 |
SM 14.10.1793 - WB 1.1.1841 |
West Trethellan |
0 |
PJ 2.2.1848 - PD 15.2.1849 |
West(ern) Wheal Virgin |
0 |
SM 5.8.1776 - PG 1.2.1843 |
White Works Mine |
0 |
WB 20.9.1839 |
Wood Engine Mine |
0 |
RCG 1.3.1828 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
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Click to see larger version. A typical advert for the sale of shares in a Cornish mining bounds. Sherborne and Yeovil Mercury 21/01/1799.
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Important Disclaimer: This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.
CORNWALL & DEVON Newspaper Sources CT. Cornish Telegraph - PG. Penzance Gazette - RCG. Royal Cornwall Gazette - SM. Sherborne & Yeovil Mercury PD. Plymouth & Devonport Weekly Journal PH. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse Herald - PJ. Penzance Journal PN. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse News - WB. West Briton WMN. Western Morning News WDM. Western Daily Mercury - WM Weekly Mercury Plymouth
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0 |
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Bessow Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.03 |
Benagwidden Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.03 |
Busveal & Carnmarth Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Carn Single Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
Carharrack 13 Pair Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Carnmarth Bounds (Gwennap) |
0 |
SM 20.10.1800 - 27.10.1800 |
Chygenter Bounds (Gwennap) |
0 |
SM 20.10.1800 - 27.10.1800 |
Chycoose Downs Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1899 |
Clomen Dish Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Cusgarne Common Bounds |
0 |
RCG31.8.1811 - 4.1.1812 |
Croft Oven Bounds |
0 |
WB6.8.1830 |
Croft An Wins Bounds |
0 |
SM12.10.1795 - 19.10.1895 |
Croft An Win Vean Bounds |
0 |
SM12.10.1795 - 19.10.1895 |
Criglaze Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
Cross an Weeth Bounds |
0 |
SM 5.11.1803 |
Cupboard Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
East & West Bendy Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
East Wheal Bendy Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
East Chygenter Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
Eastern Wheal Dagger Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Eastern Gibbon Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11. 1803 |
Eastern White Holt Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
East Wheal Fat Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
East Wheal Lowson Tin Bounds |
0 |
WB 3.11.1826 |
Gassick Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Good Fortune Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Good Fortune by the Rounds Bounds |
0 |
SM 25.1.1796 |
Goon Ennis Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1792 - 9.5.1791 |
Goon Gumpus Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Great Goodluck Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Great Killie Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Great Nancy Crowse Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1899 |
Great Wheal Gordon Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Great Wheal Whidden Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Great Poldice Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Gwennap Little Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Hale Bosveal Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795-19.10.1795 |
Kelgey Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-SM 25.1.1796 |
Little Nancigollan Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Little Cupboard Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Little Wheal Dower Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Little Wheal Gordon Bounds |
0 |
SM2.5.1791 - SM25.1.1796 |
Little Killie Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Little Wheal Nicken Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Little Trevince Bounds Under |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Little Wheal Vroe Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM25.1.1796 |
Loome Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Menanheere Bounds |
0 |
RCG5.11.03 |
Mine Bounds on the Stream |
0 |
RCG5.11.03 |
Nancegollan Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Nancigollan Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
North Wheal Small Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-9.5.1791 |
North Wheal Venton Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
One Pair Bounds by John May's House |
0 |
SM 5.11.1803 |
Other Mine Bounds on the Stream |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Paden An Hals Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Parc an Chy Bounds |
0 |
RCG 14.9.1927 - RCG16.11.1827 |
Park Brawse Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Park Steven Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1891 |
Pell Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Pennance Common Tin Bounds |
0 |
RCG 31.8.1 811 - 4.1.1812 |
Quick Come By Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
South Wheal Hawkes Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
South Wheal Plover Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
South Wheal Small Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Speedwell Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Speedwell by the Round Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Tolcarne Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - WB 9.9.1842 |
Tolcarne Stamps & Stream Bounds |
0 |
SM 20.10.1800 - 27.10.1800 |
Torran Carren Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
Trefusis & Wentworth, ¾ of ¼ of 3 pair of Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
Tresamble Downs & Croft Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Wheal Try Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Twelve Heads Stream Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Two Cracks Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Wheal An Call Bounds (Gwennap) |
0 |
RCG 15.3.1817 - 22.3.1817 |
Wheal An Barries Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Bargus Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1899. |
Wheal Bosveal Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 27.10.1800 |
Wheal Careless Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 -19.10.1795 |
Wheal Carloose Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
Wheal Coyne Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Corne Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Crean Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5. 1791 |
Wheal Crease Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Creegmoor Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Creek Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9. 1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Cregewall Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Crenga Bounds |
0 |
SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Crings Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Daisy Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Dobnan Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Drew Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Drunkard Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1891 |
Wheal Due Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Duthan Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Eagle Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Fat Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Fatt Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Free Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Fry Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1891 |
Wheal Gallis Tin Bounds |
0 |
WB 3.11.1826 |
Wheal Garron Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1895 |
Wheal Garrows Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
Wheal Grease Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Greeb Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Growse Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - CT 14.2.1866 |
Wheal Harbyer Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Hawke Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Here Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM25.1.1796 |
Wheal Hop Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Fox Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Kite Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Larke Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Levell Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Mehale Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Menin Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Moor Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - SM 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Muttrell Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799-21.1.1799 |
Wheal Negless |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-9.5.1791 |
Wheal Mithan Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-9.5.1791 |
Wheal North Bounds |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Wheal Peber Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Picas Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Pitcher Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Pink |
SW 724427 |
SM 14.11.1791 - WB15.11.1839 |
Wheal Plump Bounds |
0 |
WB 6.8.1830 |
Wheal Ponds Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1789 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Pool Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Pope Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-9.5.91 |
Wheal Pronter Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Providence |
0 |
RCG 20.5.1836 |
Wheal Quick |
See Wheal Jewell |
SM 15.3.1779 - 13.12.1802 |
Wheal Rapsey Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1899 |
Wheal Reek Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Reeth |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Wheal Rodney |
0 |
SM 10.12.1781 - 27.2.1792 |
Wheal Rose Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Rose |
0 |
|
Wheal Squire |
SW 748416 |
|
Wheal St Aubyn |
0 |
SM 26.4.1802 - WB 29.3.1839 |
Wheal St Mathew Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal An Sawsen |
0 |
WB 2.9.1842 - 9.9.1842 |
Wheal Shut |
0 |
SM 20.8.1770 - 15.9.1783 |
Wheal Smooth Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Sperris Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Spinster |
0 |
SM 26.4.1802 - WB 16.9.1842 |
Wheal Squire |
0 |
SM 3.2.1800 - WB 4.9.1840 |
Wheal Star Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Sterrians Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Strase Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791-9.5.1791 |
Wheal Toll Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Tonge Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Trelawney |
0 |
WB 28.10.1825 - 26.10.1827 |
Wheal Trevithick Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Mrs Trewatha's Moor Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Trewithan Clift Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1703 |
Wheal Tye Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal Vein Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Velanvounder Barkwarthas Bounds |
0 |
SM 7.1.1799 - 21.1.1799 |
Wheal Virisack Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Vogue Bounds |
0 |
SM 20.10.1800 - WB 9.9.1842 |
Wheal Vor Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
Wheal West Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
West Wheal Bendy Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
West Chygenter Bounds |
0 |
SM 12.10.1795 - 19.10.1795 |
Western Wheal Dagger Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Western Gibbon's Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Western White Holt Bounds |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
West Wheal Lowson Tin Bounds |
0 |
WB 3.11.1826 |
Western Wheal Tonge Bounds |
0 |
SM 2.5.1791 - 9.5.1791 |
Wheal Widden Bounds |
SM 2.5.1791 - 25.1.1796 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
Gwennap Miners Mentioned in the 1842 Royal Commission Rep by Charles Barham, Esq. on
The Employment of Children & Young Persons in the Mines of Cornwall &
Devonshire
GWENNAP PARISHTRESAVEAN Copper Mine: Examined 23rd March 1841 Henry Francis
16 years old.
Tresavean mineworkers: Examined 10th March 1841 TRURO Richard Burrows 26 years old. Eliza Allen/Allan 20 years old. Benjamin Sarah 23 years old Charles Burnet 36 years old. Charles Oates 41 years old. Anna Wasley 20 years old. Sally Fall / Faull 19 years old. Paul Trewartha 43 years old James Harper 38 years old Tresavean mineworkers: Examined 20th March 1841 REDRUTH Mr. Richard Carpenter 30 years old. J.P. Magor, Esq Mr. Thomas Stevens 45 years old. Stephen Davey, Esq. Mr. George Harris. William Bosanko 47 years old. John Young 50 years old..
Tresavean mineworkers: examined 24th March 1841 at Truro Henry Trevethan 50 years old James Thomas 25 years old. Eliza Evans 17 years old. Fanny Francis 17 years old. Jane Sandow 17 years old
Consolidated Mines [Copper Mine] Martha Buckingham 14 years & 1 month old. Mary Verran 14 years & 10 months old Elizabeth Curnow 24 years old. Christina Pascoe 17 years & 4 months old William Trethewy 13 years old. Elisha Morcom 13 years & 6 months old. Richard Jeffrey 9 years & 1 month old.
Trethellan: Copper Mine John Henry Martin 12 years & 8 months old. Samuel Tippet 10 years & 7 months old. William Harris 15 years old on 06th March 1841 Thomas Knuckey Martin 14 years & 2 months old. Grace Bowden 17 years & 9 months old.
Martha Williams 11 years & 5 months old.
Carnon
Consols [Tin Mine] Examined 30th March 1841 Mr. Nicholas Sampson Cloak 31 years of age. Charles Manuel 16 years old.
Examined at Camborne 23rd April 1841 Mr. Phillips Rev. Samuel Dunn. These last two non-miners [?], Mr PHILLIPS and REV. S, DUNN might have been examined as a comparison of workers underground: Tresavean Mine, near Lanner: worked through much of the 18th century, is said to have produced over £1,500,000-worth of copper ore. In the 1830s it was, for a while, the largest copper producer in Cornwall, employing over 1300 people. By 1860 another £1,500,000-worth of ore hah been sold. Working finally ended in 1927. Consolidated Mines of Gwennap: from 1819 to 1840 was worked as a number of smaller concerns. There was over 60 miles of underground workings and they employed 2000 people. It was the richest of all the Cornish copper mines, and for many years, richest in the world when ores to the value of £2,250,000 were sold. . Transcribed by Sandra Pritchard: Gwennap OPC |
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CORNWALL & DEVON Newspaper Sources CT. Cornish Telegraph - PG. Penzance Gazette - RCG. Royal Cornwall Gazette - SM. Sherborne and Yeovil Mercury PD. Plymouth & Devonport Weekly Journal - PH. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse Herald - PJ .Penzance Journal PN. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse News - WB. West Briton - WMN. Western Morning News WDM. Western Daily Mercury - WM. Weekly Mercury Plymouth
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Capt. J. BARAGWANNA |
0 |
RCG 13.3.1813 |
M. BAWDEN |
0 |
CT 17.1.1866 |
C.N BEATER |
0 |
RCG 2.1.1830 |
A & P BLAMEY |
0 |
RCG 27.10.1937 |
Capt. Jos. FRANCIS |
0 |
WB 11.1.1828 |
Capt. William FRANCIS |
0 |
RCG 20.12.1806 - WB 3.12.1830 |
Colan HARVEY |
0 |
PG 28.1.1846 - CT 31.5.1871 |
Capt. Thomas MICHELL, |
0 |
RCG 20.8.1808 |
Capt MORCOM |
0 |
PG 27.10.1841 |
Mr SAMPSON Engineer: |
0 |
RCG 5.11.1803 |
Capt SAMPSON |
0 |
WB 17.4.1840 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
CORNWALL & DEVON Newspaper Sources CT. Cornish Telegraph - PG. Penzance Gazette - RCG. Royal Cornwall Gazette - SM. Sherborne & Yeovil Mercury PD. Plymouth & Devonport Weekly Journal - PH. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse Herald - PJ .Penzance Journal PN. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse News - WB .West Briton - WMN. Western Morning News - WDM. Western Daily Mercury - WM. Weekly Mercury Plymouth
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CHYCOOSE STAMPING MILLS |
0 |
SM 28.5.1787 |
CUSGARNE STAMPS |
0 |
WB 22.6.1838 |
CUSGARNE, |
0 |
RCG 19.3.1814 - 2.4.1814 |
HICK'S TENEMENT- Cusgarne, |
0 |
SM 18.2.1771 |
LANNARTH STAMPS |
0 |
SM 26.3.1759 |
ROBINS STAMPING MILL |
0 |
RCG 22.2.1812 - RCG 29.2.1812 |
TREVARTH LAITY STAMPS |
0 |
SM 18.2.1782 - 25.2.1782 |
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CORNWALL & DEVON Newspaper Sources CT. Cornish Telegraph - PG. Penzance Gazette - RCG. Royal Cornwall Gazette - SM. Sherborne & Yeovil Mercury PD Plymouth & Devonport Weekly Journal - PH. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse Herald - PJ. Penzance Journal PN. Plymouth Devonport & Stonehouse News - WB. West Briton - WMN. Western Morning News WDM. Western Daily Mercury - WM. Weekly Mercury Plymouth
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MINING DISTRICT OF GWENNAP AND REDRUTH AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD WB 2.8.1839(3a) WB 20.9.1839(3a) WB 15.11.1839(3ab) |
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GWENNAP MINING DISTRICT MAP - R Symons PG2.4.45(1a)
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The Gugh (Gook) or Cornish bonnet Most women who worked 'out-of-doors' wore these bonnets to protect them from both rain and sun. Their local name was "gook" and they were made of a strong, cambric type linen that could be boiled and starched. The crown was made of a double thickness of quilted linen, each channel in the fabric threaded through with a soft cord. These were arranged either simply in lines, or in a more ornate combination of thick and thin stripes, sometimes in a special pattern for each different locality. The brim was stiffened with webbing so as to stand proud of the face in order to shade the skin from strong sunshine and to prevent dust falling into the eyes. At the base of the neck the material flounced out in a kind of skirt, to protect the nape of the neck from the same hazards. A double row of stitching marked where this joined the crown and cords were threaded through to tie securely under the chin. In winter the bal maids often wore gooks made out of the darker and heavier linen union, but mostly they preferred to wear the white. Mine 'Captains' were identified by their white coats, and women in charge of the household often vied with one another to get their families' linens whiter then white, as did those of the fishermen who also favoured both white smocks and trousers. On fine days the ladies of Gwennap placed their clean wet washing into flaques [willow baskets] and carried it to the slopes of Carn Marth. There they laid it out over the gorse bushes to dry in the sun and wind. The Cornish Bal Maidens wore gooks to work but at the weekends they liked to 'dress up' and wore very fancy hats with feathers in. The three cartoons above were drawn by George Seymour. They were published in a mining journal of the 1870's and are entitled: a. "At the end of the day." b. "Bal maiden Friday" c. "Bal maiden Saturday". Seymour was an eminent mining engineer who was the first President of the 'Institute of Mining and Metallurgy', but he was also an acute observer of the habits and customs of the idiosyncratic Cornish mine workers. A Collection of Bonnets
1. Newlyn Town Fishwives on 'The Cliff ' c1880 2. Dolcoath Mine Bal Maids, Camborne c1890. [The man in the white coat is the mine manager Mr Thomas]. 3. Styles of West Penwith, North Cornwall, Camborne, & St Agnes - Scorrier. 4. St Just in Penwith. 5. & 6. West Penwith - Mount's Bay Flower Pickers 7. Isles of Scilly Kelp Burners
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Inventor of the Cornish Man Engine Michael Loam, the inventor of the Cornish Man Engine, lies buried in Gwennap Churchyard The Man Engine: From Glossary of Mining Terms by Rossiter W. Raymond pub. 1881 A mechanical lift for lowering and raising miners in a shaft by means of a reciprocating vertical rod of heavy timber with platforms at intervals, or of two such rods, moving in opposite directions. In the former case stationary platforms are placed in the shaft, so that the miner in descending for instance, can step from the moving platform at the end of the down stroke and step back upon the next platform below at the beginning of the next down stroke. When two rods are employed, the miner steps from the platform on one rod to that on the other. Cost of Man-Engine. The cost of a man-engine, with driving engine, complete to a depth of 200 fathoms, exclusive of the cost of the shaft itself, cannot be taken at less than £2000 to £2500. The interest on the larger sum at 5 per cent, with 10 per cent. added for depreciation of plant and repairs, amounts to £375 per annum. The cost of coal and attendance for driving the engine, for oil, grease, etc. will amount to, say, £250 per annum in addition. The labour of climbing from an average depth of 100 fathoms cannot be taken at less than 1 hour daily, or with 3 shifts of 50 men at an average of 5d, the amount lost by climbing will be each day 62s. 6d or, for a year of 260 working days, say, £800, showing a clear gain of £175. For a depth of 300 fathoms the advantage is many times greater, since the. exhaustion of the men from the labour of climbing and the time occupied will increase in a geometrical ratio. However, setting aside all calculations of cost, it is only necessary to look at the men 'who have just come up by ladders from deep mines to see that some mode of relieving them from such excessive toil is most necessary. The man-engine originated in Germany where it is called the "fahr-kunst."The idea occurred to some of the German miners, who saw the reciprocating action of the pump rods, to attach steps to it, and this was actually carried into practice. In Cornwall the idea of a man-engine was first carried into effect by Mr. Loam, in 1835, at Tresavean Mine in Gwennap. The man-engine was so great an advantage to all concerned, both workmen and employers, that it would soon have become generally used in deep mines but for its great expense. But the improvements in the manufacture of wire rope within the past 25 years have been so great, that the chief danger in connection with the use of lifting-cages or skips has now disappeared. And the cost of putting in a " skip way," as well as of working the skip, is far less than that of erecting and working a man-engine, so that it is hardly likely any more will be erected. "Principles of Metal Mining" by J.H. Collins F.G.S. To see a working graphic of the engine click here West Briton 18 November 1842 The TRESAVEAN MAN ENGINE A CURE FOR THE LIVER COMPLAINT: "There was never a better machine than that at Tresavean mine, invented for the miner," said an old and venerable man, a short time ago, "it will do wonders. Old Doctor ___ of Truro, used to say that the average age of our miners scarcely exceeded 29 years, and he attributed it entirely to climbing up from the deep mines; and in that opinion I perfectly agree. Nor do I doubt but the miners will now live very much longer than they have been used to.
Besides this, see what it
will do for the liver complaint. Now, when I was young, and the
mines were not so deep, I scarcely heard of such a disorder; nor is
it known any where hardly but in Cornwall. I will tell you how the
disorder is brought on; when the men climb up so far, you observe
the whole frame is in confusion, and the heart beats so violently up
against the liver as in time to beat a hole into it, and follow in
course the liver complaint." At this expression the old
man's auditor burst into a fit of laughter, which much incensed him;
and he turned on the heel and said
- "you young gentleman may laugh at what you call foolish, but what
we old people know true by experience; and I say again I believe MR.
MICHAEL LOAM'S Man Machine will do more good for the liver complaint
than all the pills in Truro." Cornish Newspaper Reports on Man Engines: Available at the Cornwall Studies Centre, Redruth Royal Cornwall Gazette: 24.11.1837 / 6.4.1838 / 31.12.1841 / 7.10.1842 / 21.10.1842 / 6.1.1843 West Briton: 5.10.1838 / 19.10.1838 / 13.9.1839 / 11.10.1839 / 25.10.1839 / 15.11.1839 / 14.1.1842 / 11.2.1842 / 18.11.1842 / 6.1.1843 / Penzance Gazette: 19.7.1843 / 4.10.1843 / 3.7.1844 / 25.12. 1844 / 19.2. 1845 / 21.1. 1846
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