A view of  South Caradon Mine

TeamManleyy

 

Facts behind the View  Wheel Pit

To the left of the yard and below the embankment of Donkey pond can be seen trench that marks the remains of a water wheel. Only a hollow in the ground and some rubble remains of the structure that would have housed the wheel.

Home Page Back to Views Map In some mining areas with deep valleys and ample water supplies water wheels often provide a major if not sole source of power. Several water wheel sites can be found North of Caradon hill in the Mark valley but only two seem to have existed in the Seaton valley.  This one is South Caradon's and although it is identifiable is not in good condition. The wheel was fed from the large reservoir immediately uphill .  When the mine originally started work winding and pumping was carried out from a water wheel in the valley bottom with the power carried up the hillside to sump shaft by flatrods. The 1885 notice of sale lists a "powerful stone breaker with 20 foot waterwheel".

 
 

No public right away exists to any of the mine sites visible from this footpath.  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 right of way.