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Battery of Cornish stamps with engine man, miners and grass captain (or surface captain) in white, Wheal Sparnon, Redruth, Cornwall. Around 1865
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Battery of Cornish stamps with engine man, miners and grass captain (or surface captain) in white, Wheal Sparnon, Redruth, Cornwall. Around 1865
The area in the photograph is now covered by Clinton Road, Park Road and Albany Road, Redruth. According to the Ordnance Survey Six Inch map Cornwall LXIII. NE, surveyed 1877 to 1879, the mine is disused at that time. By the same OS area map Cornwall LXIII. NE Revised 1906, the whole are is covered in housing. The mine produced copper, as well as traces of cobalt and gold. Thomas Spargo states in his book, The Mines of Cornwall (1865), that " Wheal Sparnon was in the the parish of Redruth, Cornwall, in 6, 000 shares. Secretary, Mr G.H. Cardozo, London. Purser, Mr W.P. Cardozo, Camborne. Manager, Captain Wm. Tregay, Redruth. Rocks, granite and clay-slate, 60 men employed in the mine, operations on the surface of which commenced in 1864. Land owner, Lord Clinton. Dues 1-20th. Depth of adit, 18 fathoms; depth under adit, 60 fathoms. A 70-inch pumping-engine just completed, also a 22-inch winding-engine. Little has been as yet been done by the Company under the surface; but it is generally believed that enormous quantities of tin will be raised after the mine has been cleared of water". Photographer: Probably Henry Opie
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TRURI : MIspa.6
Media ID 15405420
© From the collection of the RIC
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment in history at Wheal Sparnon, Redruth, Cornwall around 1865. The focal point of the image is a battery of Cornish stamps, surrounded by an intriguing cast of characters. In the foreground stands an engine man, his face weathered by years spent toiling underground. Alongside him are miners, their weary expressions revealing the hardships they endure daily in pursuit of precious minerals. Standing tall amidst this scene is the grass captain or surface captain, dressed in pristine white attire that contrasts with the rugged surroundings. His authoritative presence suggests he oversees operations on the surface and ensures smooth coordination between workers below ground and those above. The location depicted in this photo has undergone significant changes over time. Today, Clinton Road, Park Road, and Albany Road occupy what was once bustling mining activity. According to historical maps from 1877 to 1879 and revised in 1906, housing now covers this area entirely. Wheal Sparnon was renowned for its copper production but also yielded traces of cobalt and gold. Thomas Spargo's book "The Mines of Cornwall" provides valuable insights into its operation during this era. With a workforce comprising approximately 60 men since operations began in 1864 under Captain Wm. Tregay's management. This remarkable image offers us a glimpse into a bygone era when mines like Wheal Sparnon played a vital role in Cornwall's industrial landscape. Preserved through time by photographer Henry Opie (not affiliated with the company), it serves as a testament to both human resilience and technological advancements that shaped our world today.
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