MineArchivePrideaux Wood Mine
| Location | Luxulyan Valley, above Carmears Rocks, Luxulyan parish, Cornwall |
|---|---|
| Type | Metal |
| Worked | to 1850s |
| Maximum depth | Unknown. |
Overview
One of two sizeable metal mines in the Luxulyan Valley, a steam-engine mine above Carmears Rocks that probably last worked in the 1850s. An attempt to rework it in 1872 failed.
History
Deep mining for metals in the Luxulyan Valley is said to have begun in the sixteenth century, though on a small scale. Two sizeable mines worked in the valley: Prideaux Wood, above Carmears Rocks, which had a steam engine, and Lady Rashleigh. When Joseph Treffry, who leased the valley from the Kendalls of Lostwithiel and built its canal, leat and tramways, took charge of the ground he chose not to sink more money into either mine.
In 1856 Prideaux Wood was run by a costbook company of 6,400 shares, with Captain J. Puckey as manager, Major Davis of the Royal Marines as purser, offices on the mine and a London agent, William C. Foulkes of Old Broad Street. The mine probably last worked in the 1850s. An attempt to rework it in 1872 was unsuccessful.
Geology
Unknown.
Workings
A steam engine worked the mine.
Closure
The mine probably last worked in the 1850s; an attempt to rework it in 1872 failed.
What remains
Unknown.
Redevelopment
Unknown.
What's uncertain
Points where sources disagree or the record could not be settled; both accounts are kept. All open questions in the archive.
- Prideaux Wood probably last worked in the 1850s, Joseph Treffry being unwilling to sink more money into it. (uncertain) 1
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- Prideaux Wood was one of two sizeable mines in the Luxulyan Valley, above Carmears Rocks, and had a steam engine. 1
- In 1856 the company was on the costbook system with 6,400 shares; the manager was Captain J. Puckey and the purser Major Davis, R.M. 2
- Prideaux Wood probably last worked in the 1850s, Joseph Treffry being unwilling to sink more money into it. (uncertain) 1
- An attempt to rework Prideaux Wood in 1872 was unsuccessful. 1
Sources
- (secondary) History (Stephen Austin) — The Friends of Luxulyan Valley
- (secondary) 1856 Mines in Devon and Cornwall — Grace's Guide
Record created: 19 October 2026 · Last researched: 19 October 2026