Back to photostream

Old Stamps Engine House, Carn Brea Mine

In 1832 four small copper mines on the northern slopes of Carn Brea amalgamated to form Carn Brea Mine, which soon became the largest copper producer in Cornwall, with over a thousand workers. By the end of the 1850's however, profits from tin overtook copper. In 1896 the mine amalgamated with nearby Tincroft and Cook's Kitchen to form Carn Brea and Tincroft Mines. This unfortunately turned out to be a financial disaster and the Carn Brea section closed in 1913.

The Old Stamps engine house was erected in 1837, making it one of the oldest surviving in the County. It housed a 32" engine which worked until closure and initially drove 40 heads of Cornish stamps. This was increased to 96 by 1859. In 1872 a second stamps engine house was erected with a 34" engine, and together the two engines eventually drove 208 heads of stamps.

4,105 views
21 faves
2 comments
Uploaded on October 17, 2018
Taken on September 21, 2018