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Pauline
Sweet has written many articles about Polgooth and its rich mining
history.
The
Sweets, like The Mays, have been an important part of village life
for many generations.
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| The
original mining rail track can still be found |
During
the 1980's an attempt was made by the Carn Brea Society to gain
access to the northern adit in the East Rand area of Polgooth. This
attempt did not prove successful but in the 90s there was more success.
"In
1995 my brother Brendon contacted members of the Cornwall Mining
and Caving Club," says Pauline Sweet. "The team were confident
it would only take one or two weekends to clear the entrance to
reveal the passage to the adit behind Brendon's home."
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| These
scrapings show where the miners would have hacked away for tin |
"Hopes
of quick access were dashed when several tonnes of material started
to slip down the hillside bringing trees with it," remembers
Pauline.
The
initial two weekends turned into months. The team had times when
they doubted that there was even a tunnel. There were fears it had
been completely filled.
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| Going
underground along the mine |
"At
3.30pm on 23rd July 1995 a couple of massive rocks were removed
revealing the special darkness beyond," says Pauline.
The
months of hard work and days of returning home tired and grimy had
paid off to reveal the East Rand adit, pictures of which are on
this page.
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| Looking
up to the outside world |
"Later
that day I went into the mine," remembers Pauline. "First
impressions were of cool air, a straight tunnel I could stand upright
in. There was an eerie feeling as we saw prints left by the miners
of clogs or boots, and barrow tracks. The markings of the picks
in the rock walls looked so fresh as though they had been done yesterday."
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| This
miners trolley was used in the mine |
Since
that special day in 1995 the Sweets have shown around many groups
and individuals who continue to be fascinated by the history of
mining in Polgooth.
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