The first picture is of the most famous mine near to Meadow Barns, on the Eastern side of Penpillick Hill. The whole site, called Fowey Consolidated Mines, had multiple lodes and shafts for copper and was powered not only by the world-beating engine here in Austen’s Engine House but also by up to 17 waterwheels!
The second headline image was taken inside one of the most renowned granite quarries to the West of the centre, where some samples of rare granite have an unusual pink colour, tinged with black spots of tourmaline. The quality of granite and other stone of this area, for building and decorative functions, became very well known and much sought after in the 1800s. In 1846 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert inspected some of the most impressive types at Joseph Treffry’s home mansion in Fowey, and ordered lots to be cut and polished and shipped to take pride of place in her holiday home, Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight.
Caroline’s Research and Deep Knowledge of Treffry
Over the past 8 years Caroline has been very fortunate to have support from the Treffry family including loan of original unique materials and the chance to make a number of visits to their home at Place. She is very grateful for these opportunities. With numerous additional research trips to Kresen Kernow she now has an extensive collection of recorded stories in the following categories, which will be made available in the Catalogue 2026:-
Episode 1 –
Stories in and around Fowey
Episode 2 –
Stories of Fowey Consolidated Mines and the nearby Lanescot and Henrietta’s. More recordings to be added.
Episode 3 – Machinery of the Mines and Luxulyan Valley
Episode 4 – content will be slightly revised for release as the Story-Walk from Par Station.
Episode 5 – content will be slightly revised for release as the Story-Walk from Luxulyan Station
Episode 6 – “Legacies of Treffry”, continues to be developed year on year. There is a good deal left to research and collect of stories, especially about the history of Newquay.