THE heyday of one of the richest mines in the world goes under the spotlight in the first publication just produced by the Tamar Mining Press.
Devon Great Consols, a collection of contemporary articles and reports compiled by Rick Stewart of Calstock, examines the facts surrounding what was described as ?a mine of mines? during the height of copper production in the 19th century.
Mr Stewart said: ?This is the first book devoted to the mine since John Goodridge?s booklet published in 1964 and as such, its publication is a very important event.?
The Consols mines consisted of Wheal Maria, Wheal Fanny, Wheal Josiah, Wheal Anna Maria, Wheal Frementor, Wheal Emma and Wheal Thomas, which between them employed thousands of people throughout their years of production and earned their shareholders a fortune.
The book begins with an account of the mines by John H Murchison, written in 1850, in which he describes his arrival in Tavistock and consequent visit to Devon Great Consols, the property of the Duke of Bedford.
Extracts from letters written by entrepreneur John Hitchings, one of the original investors in the mines, reveal the excitement felt during the 1840s, when the extent of the copper ore beneath the ground became known.
Despite the huge investments which were made in the mines, and the required infrastructure to ensure their continued workings, profits were huge. Following the success of Wheal Maria, Wheal Josiah was sunk to further tap into the rich lode of copper. In just the second year of operation, the mine showed an annual profit of £73,622.
Rick Stewart?s compilation contains facts, figures and in-depth statistics about the mines ? but some of the most interesting reports concern the basic facts of life for a miner in Victorian days.
For instance, the description of a visit underground: ?The first thing to be done was to change all our clothes and put on miners? dresses, composed principally of flannel, with duck coat and trousers, lined with serge.
?It is very warm underground; but scarcely possible to emerge again dry.?
Rick Stewart?s 60-page compilation is an exhaustive piece of work which goes into great detail and will provide an invaluable resource for anyone fascinated by the magnificence of the Tamar Valley?s mining past.
It is available priced £6 from Morwellham Quay, Owen?s Bookshop in Tavistock, Bookstop in Tavistock, Tavistock Tourist Information Centre and Bere Alston Bookshop.
JANE HONEY