Wheal Coates, former tin mine in Cornwall, England
Wheal Coates is an old tin and copper mine situated on cliffs near St Agnes in Cornwall. The site consists of three stone engine houses built in the late 1800s, along with ruins of crushing and roasting buildings where ore was processed before being shipped away.
Mining at this site began in medieval times but reached its peak in the 1870s when the three engine houses were constructed. The mine closed in 1889, reopened briefly in the early 1900s with new machinery, but finally shut down for good in 1914.
The mine workers shaped this region's identity for generations. The ruins and machinery scattered across the site show how central this work was to people's lives and their connection to the land.
The site is reached via the coastal walking path from Chapel Porth, which connects to other nearby historical spots. The grounds are open and free to access, but expect uneven terrain and narrow trails with ocean views that require careful footing.
The main shaft drops over 600 feet (183 meters) straight down, and during rough weather you can hear waves crashing into the opening below. Visitors sometimes drop stones and listen for the distant sound echoing from the depths below.
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