dk nkf - Nordisk Konservatorforbund Danmark

In 2005 the slipway at Cape Cornwall cove was
found to be seriously deteriorating. This slipway,
an essential requisite for the livelihood of the local
hand line fishing community was built in early 1900
and its successful consolidation was undertaken by
the National Trust staff with a voluntary community
team.
The final works were at Levant Mine. The Man-
Engine Tunnel (the passageway used originally by
the miners in late the 1800s to access the workings 1
mile down under the sea) was reconstructed; the Man-
Engine Shaft was made safe; the original Drawing
Office was reconstructed and the Tramway Tunnel
and other stabilization works were undertaken.
Part of the funding was used to stage an Opening
Ceremony of the Man Engine Tunnel (now open to
the public) where relatives of the original Levant
miners, local dignitaries, representatives of the
funding and other involved organisations, together
with an open invitation to the local community
(including the press) enjoyed a pleasant day which
ensured that Levant and by association the St Just
Coast Project success was firmly established.
Conclusion
There are two main strengths which will secure
the future of the project work: the Trust’s ability
through the National Trust act of 1907 to declare
land inalienable and the commitment of employing
staff on the ground to maintain and care for the
area. There is now an established engagement
programme, utilising the Counthouse facilities and
surrounding landscape where events as diverse as
cliff top drama, steam fairs, guided trails, illustrated
talks and film shows take place.
New acquisitions have included Cornish Mines and
Engines at Pool (a small visitor property), Godolphin
and the Great Lode and Trewarvas engine houses,
perched on the cliffs on the South coast. This latest
acquisition recognised the Trust’s ownership of the
three most iconic engine houses in Cornwall, the
other two being the Crowns at Botallack and Wheal
Coates at St Agnes.
In July 2006, the most important designation was
achieved with the success of Cornwall’s bid to gain
World Heritage Status, conferred in recognition of
the remarkable advances in hard rock mining and
engineering technologies made during the 18 th and
19 th centuries, which transformed the landscape,
economy and society of the region, placing it at
the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. These
technologies quickly spread to every corner of the
globe as the international migration of Cornwall
and West Devon’s highly skilled workforce
forged extensive cultural links between mining
communities worldwide. As well as recognising the
unique role of Cornish Mining in shaping modern
industrial society, World Heritage Site status will
bring tangible socio-economic benefits to the region.
It will draw down conservation funding, be a major
asset to international tourism marketing and assist
in the regeneration of former mining communities.
Arising from the status is an association of mining
attractions which has bought together people from all
over the County to promote and ensure Cornwall’s
Industrial Heritage maintains a secure future.
Author
Jon Brookes
Treveal Farm
Zennor
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 3BW
jon.brookes@nationaltrust.org.uk
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