SOME hidden artefacts have been unearthed at historic Morwellham Quay during an extensive renovation project which has been taking place.

The historic slate-hung village shop and manager's house building at the quay has been totally re-roofed and all the slates taken off and re-hung — a considerable investment by the owners of this part of the Cornish and West Devon Mining World Heritage site.

During the renovation work, the remains of the Tudor building underneath were revealed, parts of which date to 1568. The original bell tower was also unearthed. It is believed the bell was rung to announce tide and shift changes for the workers. Also hidden under the floorboards was an old copper penny dating back to 1863, exactly the period of time in which the village is 'frozen'.

A spokesperson for Morwellham Quay said: 'Luckily there were not too many days of rain over the winter when this work took place and the builders were able to crack on at a good pace, returning this ancient building with all its hidden treasures to a habitable office space and rejuvenating the village shop.'

The Morwellham Quay village shop and Manager's house will officially re-open on Sunday (March 15) at the traditional Mothering?Sunday craft fair.