Life at the Edge

Mining was not just a job; it was a way of life.

Cornwall was one of Europe’s earliest industrial regions, with a scattered industrial society. For hundreds of years, people in Cornwall have made their living from mining. As demand for tin rose and fell so did Cornwall's population. Mining communities were spread out among the small towns throughout the Cornish countryside. These mining areas have a strong sense of community and identity.

Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of the Geevor Archive

Mossel time

Most miners took food and drink underground with them; at some stage during their shift would sit and take a break close to where they were working.

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Trammers

Trammers worked underground transporting the ore from the stopes to the grizzly.

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How the Men were Paid

Many underground miners were paid based on the amount of ground they had broken, measured monthly.

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Geevor the great provider

In modern times Geevor occasionally supplied materials and labour to fix local buildings such as the church and was involved in community events such as carnivals.

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Comment left by ded1977 on 2010-03-01 22:21:04

i went on the underground tour and loved it the guide is / was an old mine worker and was full of infomation i would recommend this tour to all but those that are claustrophobic as the mine is very tight and small under ground but you can stay outside or walk aroun the rest of the museum well worth the money

Cornish Mining

Geevor Underground

Geevor at Grass

Life at the edge

Rocks and Metals

Life at the Edge

Mining was not just a job; it was a way of life.

Photograph reproduced with the kind permission of the Geevor Archive

Mossel time

Most miners took food and drink underground with them; at some stage during their shift would sit and take a break close to where they were working.

Trammers

Trammers worked underground transporting the ore from the stopes to the grizzly.

How the Men were Paid

Many underground miners were paid based on the amount of ground they had broken, measured monthly.

Geevor the great provider

In modern times Geevor occasionally supplied materials and labour to fix local buildings such as the church and was involved in community events such as carnivals.