Pump Engine House, South Crofty Mine, Station Road, Carn Brea, Cornwall

Photograph taken 07 October 2004 © Mr Ivor Corkell. Source Historic England Archive ref: 66716

This engine house held the pump for Robinson's shaft at the South Crofty Tin Mine. It dates from 1903 and was built around the engine, which is dated 1854, to protect it. The 80-inch cylinder Cornish beam engine is still inside. It was used to pump water from the mine. The beam can be seen sticking out from the side of the engine house where it was attached to the pump. The engine came from Tregurtha Downs Mine near Marazion. It has not been used since 1955 but is still in good condition. Engine houses similar to this one were a common site during the industrial revolution.

Location

Cornwall Carn Brea

Period

Edwardian (1902 - 1913)

Themes

This mill was originally known as Jumble Hole Mill. It was first mentioned in 1788. Between 1815 and 1826 it was owned by Christopher Rawden who owned several mills in the locality. On 11th August 1899 the mill was destroyed by fire. This photograph could have been taken after the fire. The mill was altered and extended during the 19th and 20th century. The 1947 Yorkshire textile Industry directory has an entry for Jumble Hole Mill:
'Cocker and Co (1929) Ltd. (bleaching, dyeing and finishing of blacks and colours; rayons; crepes; cashmeres; brocades; muslins)
Cockers closed in the 1950s, but the mill was later used for silk dyeing.

Pump Engine House, South Crofty Mine, Station Road, Carn Brea, Cornwall

Location

Period

Themes

Tags