| On the Cliffs near Pendeen stand the
reminders of the St Just mining area's industrial past. One of the greatest
mines of the area, Levant originally opened in 1820 and closed just 110
years later. At it's height it was one of the top ten mines in Cornwall
with tunnels extending as far as one mile out under the sea. |
| Despite the scrapping of machinery
and buildings when the mine was declared unprofitable and closed, the
Cornish Engines Preservation Trust was formed and raised funds to save
the Engine. |
| A dedicated team of volunteers, working
for the Trevithick Society, restored the original engine built in Hayle
and has built a replacement boiler house, whilst the National Trust has
renovated the Engine House itself. |
| Now the Engine is 'steamed up' on Sundays
and Mondays of Bank Holidays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
in June and six days a week (excepting Saturdays) from July to September. |
| Next to Levant sprawls the Geevor complex,
which was the last working mine in the area, now transformed into a heritage
centre. The on-site museum houses life-like displays to show what conditions
were like under the surface for Cornish miners. |
| Guided surface tours explain the workings
and layout of the mine and the centre is open daily except Saturdays from
11 am to 4.30 pm. A full programme of tours is also available from February
to October. |
| Enquire at the Tourist Information Centre,
Penzance, next door to the Railway Station |
