st ives Archives - Explore Cornwall

Wheal Racer

Caitlin — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 07:31:36 +0000

Perched on the top of Rosewall Hill sits the scant remains of a small venture named Wheal Racer.

Opened in 1907 to rework the western section Goole Pellas Mine, this venture possibly deepened an already present shaft. However, despite having a £10,000 (£785,695 today) capital it appeared that the shaft was sunk in the wrong place. This coupled with mis-management of the mines finances led to its quick demise. Having just reached 60 fathoms (110m) and only erecting the concrete bases for any pumping or winding gear for the main shaft, Wheal Racer went into liquidation the following year.

The mine had at least four shafts, although they may have existed before the 1907 working.

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Rosewall Hill Mine

Caitlin — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:02:21 +0000

On the side of Rosewall Hill sit two prominent chimneys, belonging to the former Rosewall Hill mine.

The overgrown remains of the 40″ pumping engine.

Records for this mine date back to the 17th century, although was likely at work long before this. By 1811 the mine had already reached 321 fathoms (587m) below adit, but work ground to a halt in 1817 due to mounting debts.

From 1818, both Rosewall Hill and its later counterpart Wheal Ransom were part of St Ives Consols. In 1838 it was at work under the name Rosewall Hill and Gweans Mining Company, however ran into financial trouble again four years later. In 1857 Rosewall amalgamated with Wheal Ransom where it worked on and off, eventually closing in 1876 due to low tin prices. It became part of 1908 the mine was worked for the final time as part of St Ives Consolidated Mines.

The most notable feature of the site is the two chimneys which stand on the slope of the hill. These date from earlier workings of the mine, with the remains of any associated engine houses long covered by gorse and bushes. The upper chimney belonged to a 20″ Boulton & Watt whim sold in 1842, while the other to a 36″ Harvey’s pumping engine.

At the base of the hill is the bob wall of a 40″ pumping engine made by Copper House Foundry on Great Ransom shaft. This was originally installed at Wheal Trenwith, moving to Rosewall Hill mine in 1857. Just beyond this is the site of a 22″ whim engine, while even lower down the hill on private land is the bushy remains of a 32″ stamps. This was also second hand from Wheal Trenwith in 1858. There may have also been another beam engine installed on Old Engine shaft between 1838-42.

The furry outline of the 32″ stamps engine.

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St Ives Walk

Caitlin — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 12:13:16 +0000

I figured it was probably time to sort through the photos I took during a walk along the St Ives coastline back in February. My original intention was to walk along the coast path to Trevega Bal mine, but I not only underestimated how hard going the coast path was, but also how the cold would decimate my phone battery. I covered approximately 5 miles on my trip (both ways), with the mine being an extra mile-ish up the coast.

This walk starts just south of popular Porthmeor beach and heads follows the coast path away from St Ives. One of the first features is that of The Man’s head.

There are lovely views of the north coast, with some people being able to spot dolphins.

Not far along I found a patch of very icy ground, stretching from right across the path and freezing up the fence and waterfall. This was only about two meters wide and a real contrast to the rest of the path.

The coastpath hosts a real variety of textures, from crazy paving, to tarmac to very steep rocky sections.

I got to around Pen Enys Point before I turned back. The whole stretch of cliff is really beautiful and worth the trek.

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