Cobbled Flooring at South Caradon mine

A view of South Caradon Mine Facts behind the View

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The Count House SX 265 699

On the terrace above the valley floor and down stream of the Yard is the sparse remains of the count house. In 1937 this stood to a substantial height but today only its foundations and a small pile if rubble remains. However ,nearby the count houses of West Caradon, East Caradon and Glasgow Caradon remain standing and in use as residences or as an Hotel.

Mine count houses where normally imposing buildings from which the mine was administered and the mines accounts kept. Traditionally the bidding for pitches by the tributers was carried out at the front of the count houses at the steps of the front door.

This photograph of the building shows it to be a rambling construction with several extensions added to its rear. An impression of the front revelation is given based on the picture in Jenkins which was taken in 1937. At that time the ruins stood to almost full height and very little undergrowth had become established.

The initial financing of the mine
£640 The Initial outlay to found the mine, divided into 512 shares at £1/5/0 each Shambrock, Allen
£540 Amount of past expenses paid when ore was first struck, surplus was used to fund extensive operations Allen
£327 The amount spent before first dividend was paid Collins
£327 8s 5d The Initial outlay before mine made returns in August 1837 Watson

These amounts are large for practical miners like the Clymo's to raise but tiny compared to the initial capital of most successful mines. The initial investment £640 would yield dividends for the adventurers of £384,512 that is £600 back for every £1 put in!

On many mine sites in Cornwall dangers may still exist, many hidden.
This web site is published as a resource to those using the public rights of way.