Robinson's Shaft, Pool, Cornwall

The British Empire was built on global trade, mining and manufacture. Cornish miners were to be found around the World in tin, copper and other mines; in Malaya, Australia, Chile….

100 years ago the Cornish tin mining industry was expanding. Robinson’s Shaft was the principal shaft of the South Crofty mine.

In 1900, when they had to deepen the shaft to exploit the tin deposits in the South Crofty mine. This involved the construction of a winding engine seen here, finished by 1901. Next came the installation of a pumping engine, which started in 1903. They then built the engine house and engine in tandem. By 1910, they could mine to 238 fathoms, 1428 feet or 435 metres.

Today the engine house and winding gear are part of the Heartlands Museum of Cornish Mining in Pool near Camborne.