King Edward Mine Museum

One of the smaller museums in Cornwall. Run by a very dedicated team of enthusiasts.
Wayne was our guide. As he had worked in tin mining all his life he was certainly knowledgeable.
Fascinating to see the huge working machinery, and some working models.
We learned about the way in which the tin was extracted from the hard rock. I hadn’t realised it was such a lengthy process.
Loved the photo of the Bal Maidens. Bal meaning mine in Cornish. These were young unmarried women who worked above ground processing the ore.
Also interesting to see the machinery, and drilling equipment which were made locally by Holman Brothers in Camborne.
At its height it employed over 3500 people.
Unfortunately the last part of the business closed in 2001 and Camborne is no longer the prosperous town it used to be.

However there is renewed hope, as the South Crofty Mine, which closed in 1998, is being de - watered and hopes to be mining tin and copper once again in the near future.
Other mines may also reopen to mine Lithium which is now in great demand in the battery industry.

After a lunch of pasties from Philps, we walked along King George V Memorial Walk and out to Hayle Towans. A real change in the weather as the sun came out.
A wonderful view across to St Ives one way and Godrevy lighthouse in the other direction.

Another enjoyable day visiting places old and new.

A real surprise today to see my 4000th blip had reached number one on the popular page,
thanks to you lovely lot!