A Quick History of East Caradon Mine

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A Quick History of the East Caradon Mine

Home Page History Map South Caradon history Gonamena history

1840 to 1908
Born and died with its larger neighbour.

One of Caradon's successful adventures

Early history
1840
In response to the major copper find at South Caradon a trial adit was dug by a Mr. Crouch.

1844
The trial did not discover the expected riches and the sett was abandoned.

1851
Another company was formed in attempt to find copper.

1860
East Caradon commenced production after extensions of the South Caradon lodes discovered.

The Magic of the Caradon name
East Caradon was one of many mines started in an attempt to share in the wealth of the great South Caradon. Some attempted to find continuations of its rich copper lodes whilst others simply used the name Caradon to entice far too willing investors. Of these adventures East Caradon, West Caradon and Glasgow Caradon proved to be the most successful.

The Mine in Production

1863

Excessive share speculation results in an important Stannary court case against the mine.

Webb and Geach publish their description of the mine.

1864
Production peaks at 5,933 tonnes of copper ore with a value of £34791.6

1865
A 48" and 30" steam engines are recorded to be in operation pumping water and a 24" on winding/stamping.

1866 Industrial unrest
"At the East Caradon and Marke Valley mines on Monday last, three pitches at each mine were refused by the men, and the price offered, not being increased, the whole of the men at both mines turned out on strike, and have note resumed work.....The managers of the whole of the mine in the Tavistock district and many in the Liskeard district have signed a resolution not to employ men belonging to the Society".
West Briton 2nd March 1866

1882
Maximum workforce recorded at 63 employees of which 40 are underground workers.

1885
The mine forced to close due to rising water caused by the closure of South Caradon.
The Liskeard and Caradon Railway also closes.

Geological map of 1863 shows the mine shortly after opening.
Click for enlarged view

A Famous engineer
William West designed and constructed the engines on this mine as well as acting as consultant engineer. This prolific and famous engineer was a partner of Trevithick and built a large number of Cornish beam engines. In addition to his engineering feats William West was the main owner of the nearby Phoenix Mine.

Peaks and troughs
Speculation and rumours of discoveries caused huge price swings in the price of East Caradon shares in the 1860s. A problem that occurred in many other Cornish mines in the later years of copper production, damaging confidence for long term investment.

Attempts at re-opening
1889-90
An attempt to rework the mine as part of a combined sett with Glasgow, South and West Caradon failed.

1907/8
Budd and Co. operates the mine as the East Caradon and Marke Valley Mine. A re-working that also fails.

A hunt for copper
The 1907 work appeared to have consisted of a hunt for new lodes. Assay pits were dug on Caradon Hill in a systematic manner. These pits exist west of north shaft and on the eastern slopes below the mine. Only two men were involved in this work.
Ref CAU 1490

On many mine sites in Cornwall dangers may still exist, many hidden. This web site is published as a resource to those visiting the Wheal Tor Hotel to explain the view from the Hotel and its access road.