Wheal Unity Wood

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Between 1815 and 1843 Wheal Unity Wood produced large tonnages of copper ore, but by 1843 it was much reduced, although it still employed 200 workers. The mine also produced some tin at depth, which was unusual for the district. During the second half of the nineteenth century the mine opened and closed frequently, and was operated under several different names, including West Poldice (1880-85) and Tolgullow United Mines (1886-1903). However, it tended to be known throughout most of the nineteenth century as Wheal Unity Wood, and it was under this name that the 70-inch pumping engine at Magor's Shaft was purchased, in about 1869, from Prosper United near Marazion. It seems likely that the 20-inch whim engine at Wheal Bush was also bought from Prosper United at that time. This engine operated both a whim and the stamps.

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Killifreth, at the northern end of the woods, gradually gained in importance as the nineteenth century progressed, and before the end of the century, having switched back to being principally a tin mine, it had become a model of a small-scale modern mine, with safety features on its skips, a shiftboss system underground and a fairly new and efficient tin stamps and dressing plant. Old Sump Shaft (Engine Shaft) had a 50-inch cylinder pumping engine, a 32-inch stamps engine was installed, with buddles and calciner, and a steam whim. In the early 1890s an 80-inch pumping engine was installed at Hawke's (Richard's) Shaft. Unfortunately, the accounts and surface management was not as efficient as its underground operations, and by 1896, with the tin price dropping, the mine was heading for closure. In 1897 the underground was leased to Truro School of Mines for the training of students, and most of the machinery and plant was sold off.
 

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