FIR HILL Mixed Mine · AditNow Community

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Engine room
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

15 years ago

I stumbled upon (and almost down!) this mine years ago and would love to know more about it. Ive been unable to find any records of it. How old is it and what was mined?
I counted six shafts and one entrance which i explored as far as is possible without a shovel. Im guessing that if there were any written records they were probably lost in the fire at nearby Nanswhyden manor when it burned down.

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talskiddy
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

Fir Hill Mine (Wheal Aaron), Grid Reference: SW869618

A small mine worked for ochre and umber during the 19th century. The workings were from open cuts on the south side of the valley to the north, and from shafts west of the woodland. Four open shafts visible in 1958, but these have now completely disappeared.

Fir Hill Mine is probably the same as Wheal Aaron, which is reported to have been active on the estate of Little Colan in 1847.

References; A.K. Hamilton Jenkin: Annotations to Ordnance Survey map, scale 1:10,000, sheet 40NW

Engine room
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

15 years ago

At last i have a name for the mine, thanks for the help. :thumbsup:
John Baker from nanswhyden farm did tell me that he believed it was red ochre that was mined in the woods. Also he thought that the red bricks which were used in the construction of the manor and farm buildings were hand made on site. I suppose the red ochre for the bricks could have come from that mine though this would give an earlier date for the mine as the manor was built in the 18th century by Robert Hoblyn (who made a lot of money from mining!)

Engine room
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

15 years ago

just checked map and approx grid ref of shafts that i found is 876620

stuey
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

Hamilton Jenkin's "Wendron Tin" is the book which will have it all in. Sadly, I have been unable to get a copy at a sensible price. The library will be able to get you a copy.

Engine room
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

15 years ago

Cheers stuey, i shall check it out

spitfire
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

Why would Fir Hill be in Wendron Tin? :confused:

spitfire

stuey
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

Sorry! Wrong thread. There was someone looking for something arcane in the Wendron Area.

Still the solution may be in the right ballpark. Eg:- Vol IX. Padstow, St Columb and Bodmin, Ham Jenks.

Here's a bit of his map on Fir Hill.

Note the annotations carefully on the bigger one:-

http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h22/mrjazzpiano/?action=view¤t=40NWfirhill.jpg