Welcome to Poldark Mine, So Much More Than Just A Tin Mine...

At Poldark our intention is to give an interesting and entertaining introduction to Cornwall's mining and social heritage. Home to many unique exhibits and interpreting the fascinating story of the Cornish miners overseas Poldark offers something of interest to people of all ages. The main attraction at Poldark is the mine.

Described as a 'Jewel in the Crown of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site' the mine tour gives a unique insight into working conditions in 18th and early 19th century tin mines and into Cornwall's geology. It is the only complete underground mine open to the public in Cornwall and Devon.

For an overview of the site's history see the quick links panel.

In 2000 local mining heritage enthusiasts financed and formed a company to acquired Poldark with the intention of developing it as a mining heritage site based upon its rich mining history. Many of the historic steam engines, which had been acquired in the 1970's from across England and had no connection with Cornish mining, were relocated three returned to their original homes where they are now considered important artefacts.

Work continues to improve the site and increase awareness of Cornwall's distinctive mining heritage. Poldark is now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and the District Interpretation Centre for the Wendron Mining District. It houses many unique exhibits and explains the unique story of the Cornish miners overseas.

The site was acquired by Peter Young and opened to the public as Wendron Forge in 1972. With great foresight Peter collected steam engines, which at the time were being sold for scrap metal, and installed them on the site. At the same time he began exploratory work on the adjoining mine and commenced clearing it to enable public access, a task that took some ten years and cost many tens of thousands of pounds.

During the 1980's Wendron Forge was renamed Half Penny Park and, with the broadcast of the popular BBC TV series, Poldark Mine. Poldark grew into one of Cornwall's major tourist attractions. By the end of the 1980's Peter decided to retire and the site was sold. With a change in public leisure activities and an increase in visitor sites in Cornwall the 1990's witnessed a decline in visitor numbers to Poldark. Attempting to be a theme park the site is too small and had lost its way. By 1999 the site was attracting insufficient numbers to survive and was placed in receivership.

Archaeological evidence shows that the mine, originally known as Wheal Roots, operated from Early Medieval times until the 1780's. First worked by levels driven into the hillside by tin streamers the mine contains three tin lodes and was worked to an unknown depth, the deeper workings being under water today. Further exploration of the mine was undertaken in the 1850's by the adjoining Wendron Consols mine. Today, known as Poldark Mine and with workings on three lodes, it is the only complete tin mine open to the public.

Unique evidence of tin production from the rich alluvial deposits of the River Cober is situated in the Main Car Park. The Poldark Mortar Outcrop was the scene of tin production in prehistory, a nationally important site the Outcrop is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Tin production continued at Poldark and in 1493 it was the site of the first recorded tin stamps. Treating ores mined locally the site continued in operation until 1886. With water power available the site then became a dairy and egg packing station until 1970.