East Pool mine, Mining museum in Carn Brea, England
East Pool Mine is a mining museum in Carn Brea featuring preserved beam engines, mine shafts, and industrial structures that reflect centuries of metal extraction. The site spans multiple areas with the Industrial Discovery Centre at Taylor's Shaft serving as the main visitor hub.
Operations began in the early 18th century and continued until 1945, extracting various ores across three centuries of continuous activity. The mine evolved as one of the larger operations in the region, reflecting advances in mining techniques over generations.
The site was home to generations of miners and their families who shaped the social bonds and identity of the surrounding community. Workers developed their own traditions and practices that remain part of the region's heritage today.
Visitors can take guided tours through the site and explore various buildings, with the Industrial Discovery Centre providing information and exhibits throughout. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is hilly and visiting multiple stations takes time to appreciate properly.
The site preserves a rare piece of mining technology: the last beam whim engine ever installed in Cornwall, demonstrating engineering innovation of the 19th century. This machine at Michell's Shaft Engine House stands as one of the few surviving examples of this advanced equipment type.
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