A visit to Cornwall’s Tin Coast
A recent knowledge-gathering trip brought some of us to Levant and Geevor, part of the wider Cornish Mining UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated on the rugged Cornish coast, evidence of the mining industry which existed for centuries is still visible in the chimney stacks, machinery and buildings which have been preserved.
The buildings of the Geevor mine remain as they were when the mine was last operational in 1990, apart from the fit-out of a contemporary museum. Subtle scene-setting interpretation recalls the presence of the workers through their possessions, work paraphernalia and photographs.
But what’s truly fascinating is what’s not visible: the complex system of shafts and tunnels stretching down for hundreds of metres and under the sea. Getting the chance to walk (stoop!) in one of the more accessible tunnels was an experience to be remembered.
The sense of place and dignity of this community bound to the land was brought alive by the real-life experiences of guides and operators who took us through the site. Retaining the spirit of the people and their purpose, as well as the preserved buildings and machinery, told the story of an industry so vital to Cornwall, and created an unmistakeable sense of place.