Poldark Mine

After an ancient tin mine was discovered on the site it was renamed after Winston Graham's Poldark novels and the BBC television series[2] that was first broadcast in 1975.

[4] In September 2022, it was reported that the mine had been closed for three years due to Edwards failing to pay rent for the attractions' underground portions, which are owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.

[6] Young quickly acquired about three acres of adjoining land which were separated by a large furniture store which was formerly a dairy and originally part of the Wendron Consols mine.

[7] He spent the next few years purchasing and repairing agricultural and industrial machinery, though his intention was to run a business selling etchings that he designed and produced on site.

[8] The site was opened to the public in June 1971 as Wendron Forge after the level of the flood-prone ground was raised, facilities were constructed and about six working machines and engines were installed to interest visitors.

[9] In 1972 a 30-inch beam engine was acquired from the now abandoned village of Greensplat where it had been pumping 500 gallons of slurry a minute from a depth of 240 feet at a china clay pit near St Austell.

In 2000 the property was purchased by a company set up by Richard Williams who was reported to have "put all of his efforts into developing this into one of the most atmospheric tourist underground mine experiences in Europe".

[15] It was purchased by David Edwards who had been involved with the Ffestiniog Railway and the Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Wales, and work to repair and restore the mine commenced immediately: it reopened in May 2014.

[16][17] Evidence that this abundance of ore was first recovered and processed in ancient times is shown by the Trenear Mortar Stone, near to the entrance of Poldark Mine.

In the Museum a large cast and wrought iron kibble recovered from the main shaft can be seen, it dates from the 18th century when the mine was active in tin production.

Actress Angharad Rees, who had the leading role of Demelza in the 1970s BBC TV costume drama Poldark was a regular visitor to the mine and gardens up to the time of her death in 2012.