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Local HistoryYou are in: Cornwall > History > Local History > Life at Levant  Life at LevantLevant Mine and Beam Engine is part of Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. It's the only Cornish beam engine anywhere in the world that is still in steam in a tin and copper mine. On Sunday 7 June a special anniversary takes place. Levant Mine is perched on the cliff edge at Trewallard, Pendeen, near St Just in west Cornwall. The spectacular cliff top site is home to a Cornish beam engine that is still in steam. Levant mine was the scene of one of Cornwall's worst mining tragedies around 90 years ago. In 1857 a Man Engine was installed on the mine. It saved the miners enormous toil by enabling them to descend to and ascend from the 266 fathom level with little effort. On 20 October 1919 the main rod of the Man Engine broke killing 31 miners and injuring many more. Click on the link below to watch a film about the history of mining at Levant, and find out more about the hot, difficult and dangerous working conditions down the Cornish mine: Help playing audio/video The copper mine has been closed since the disaster, when the platform which transported men to the depths of the mine suddenly collapsed. But the National Trust carried out a restoration project in 2003 and opened the mine to the public. On Sunday 7 June, from 11am to 5pm, a celebration will be taking place at the National Trust's site to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the winding engine, which was originally built in 1840 and is the oldest beam engine in Cornwall. Parking is available at Levant Mine. Find out more about Levant Mine by clicking on the links below: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 02/06/2009 at 09:35 SEE ALSOYou are in: Cornwall > History > Local History > Life at Levant   |
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