King Edward Mine Museum

    Get to grips with Cornish mining history at King Edward Mine Museum, with an indoor exhibition, restored machinery and working engines.

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    Inside the museum

    A unique look at our Cornish history...

    Unlike all the other tin mines in the surrounding landscape, it has been unaltered for over 100 years because it was used for teaching practical mining from 1897 until 2005, and the site has been in continual use for much longer. English Heritage think it is of national importance and have given the site Grade II* listing.

    The museum has won several awards because of its authenticity. The original equipment is in still in working order so it is easy to imagine working here in Edwardian times.

    One of our experts will be your guide and show you how the tin was processed using the original historic equipment. In order to transform ore into processed tin, the rock removed from the ground is pulverized with Stamps and dressed to get a rough separation of the ore from the rock. Other machinery is needed to concentrate the ore and remove impurities such as arsenic.

    “Excellent and informative museum run by enthusiastic volunteers. Our guide, Mathew was brilliant and enthusiastically brought both the local history of mining and the whole history of Cornish mining to life. He had a great knowledge of the machinery and had great insights into all the geological aspects too. Fascinating Very highly recommended”

    Ian, Tripadvisor
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    Looking towards Carn Brea

    Lots to take in...

    There are numerous history trails around the site for further exploration, plus the museum is on the Great Flat Lode Trail linking it with other mining sites in the area.

    Find out about John Harris, the poet who was born nearby in 1820. During his time as a miner, he combined working underground with writing powerful poetry concentrating on the landscape around Carn Brea.

    Come and see some of the stunning underground photographs taken by John Charles Burrow between 1893 and 1905. At the turn of the 20th century, King Edward was one of the most photographed mines in Cornwall.

    Our Winder and Compressor house contains an exhibition dedicated to the story of Holman Brothers of Camborne. Alongside the mining industry in Cornwall, there evolved an industry manufacturing specialised mining equipment. Holman airleg drills and compressors were used in the mining industry all over the world.

    School parties are most welcome and we operate a ‘Loan Box’ scheme for teachers to use for preparing their class before their visit. There is also a well-stocked bookshop.

    The museum and the mill are under cover making this a great attraction for a wet day.

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