Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Levant Mine and Beam Engine is a National Trust site at Trewellard, near Pendeen and St Just, on the rugged north coast of West Cornwall. It is a former tin and copper mine whose galleries ran out beneath the Atlantic seabed, and it holds a rare prize: the oldest Cornish steam winding engine still working in its original location.

What can you see at Levant Mine?

The star of the visit is the beam engine house perched on the cliff edge. Inside, the restored engine is regularly brought back to life under steam, so you can watch the huge beam rock back and forth much as it did when it hauled men and ore up from the depths. A visitor centre explains how the mine worked, and a short underground tour gives a feel for the confined, damp world in which Cornish miners spent their shifts.

Why is Levant Mine so important?

Cornish mining shaped the industrial world, and engines like this one were the machines that made deep mining possible. The site is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, which has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2006. After the mine closed in 1930, its equipment was sold off for just a few hundred pounds, and the survival of the beam engine owes much to later preservation work by enthusiasts and, eventually, the National Trust.

What happened in 1919?

Levant is also remembered for a tragedy. A man engine, a mechanical lift of reciprocating rods that carried miners up and down the shaft so they did not have to climb ladders, had been installed in Daubuz Shaft in 1857. On 20 October 1919, during the afternoon shift change, a component of the rod and beam linkage failed and the engine collapsed into the shaft. Thirty-one men died and many others were injured. The man engine was never repaired, and mining at the deepest levels stopped. A memorial and the story told on site keep the memory of those miners alive.

Can you walk to other mines from here?

Yes. The South West Coast Path passes the site, and a cliff-top footpath leads to Botallack Mine, another famous clifftop engine house. The route is a favourite for photographers, with ruined chimneys and engine houses set against the sea. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a windproof layer, because the weather on this exposed coast changes quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Levant Mine and Beam Engine?

It lies at Trewellard, close to Pendeen, a few miles from St Just in the far west of Cornwall, England.

Is the beam engine really working?

Yes. It is the oldest Cornish steam winding engine still operating where it was originally built, and it is run under steam on selected occasions. Check the National Trust listing for steaming days before you travel.

Is there an underground tour?

There is a short underground tour, which complements the visitor centre displays. Availability can depend on the season and on safety conditions, so confirm in advance.

How long should I allow?

Plan on two to three hours for the engine house, visitor centre and tour. Add more time if you want to continue along the coast path to Botallack.

Is it part of a World Heritage Site?

Yes. Levant belongs to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, inscribed by UNESCO in 2006.