King Edward Mine-Authentic, Historic Cornish Tin Mine Above Ground

Godrygeugh Whel Myghtern Edward dhe Dhyscudha Gonys Sten Kernowek

King Edward Mine Museum is a charity, run by ten unpaid Trustees. Most of our income is derived from opening our museum and working mill to the public during the summer. All our guides are volunteers. As we maintain 22 acres of mining landscape, a large number of working mining machines and 6 Grade II Listed buildings, we depend on the enthusiasm of our large number of volunteers who are busy throughout the year, outside and inside.

We would particularly like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a museum guide or who would like to work in our shop & reception as these roles are so important for our future. Just a few days a month are all that are required. See our Volunteers Page for more information.

UNESCO World Heritage Camborne and Redruth

Camborne & Redruth

The Capital of Cornish Mining

“This is classic Cornish Mining landscape with the highest concentration of historic mining sites anywhere in the world.”

Camborne & Redruth with Wheal Peevor & Portreath is Area 5 of the World Heritage Site, one of 10 Areas that make up One World Heritage Site.

What Will You Do on Your Visit to our Mine?

On your visit, you will be led by one of our knowledgeable guides who will answer all your questions and demonstrate our unique equipment in action.

In our historic Cornish Tin Mill, we have the unique 1901 Californian Stamp s and one of the last Cornish Round Frames in existence.

We have re-created a set of Rag Frames, commonly used in the 19th century by women known as 'Bal Maidens'. See the Round Frame and the Rag Frames in action on YouTube.

You will see our newly restored wooden headframe that was used to hoist men and ore from underground.

What Will You Learn on Your Visit to our Mine?

Find out about the men and women who worked and studied here for more than 150 years. Walk through the same buildings and touch the same objects that they used.

Our mine was re-equipped in 1897 to become a training centre for the world-famous Camborne School of Mines. We have a fascinating History.

This remarkable site is now listed by English Heritage as Grade II*, meaning that it is particularly important, of more than special national interest.

Find out about the current resurgence of Cornish mining as tin and lithium are now on the UK Government's critical minerals list.

How Long has Tin Been Mined Here?

Discover the history of Cornish mining in this historic boiler house, now a modern exhibition space.

The original 1869 boiler was replaced with a Cornish pattern boiler in 1906 by Camborne School of Mines and the present building dates from that era. It was used to provide steam for winding and for the engine that drove the belt for the machinery in the Mill.

On our site, we have four iconic Cornish Engine Houses for you to visit.

Who were the Holman Brothers?

Find out about the story of Holman Brothers of Camborne, one of the world's most famous manufacturer of rock drills.

During the 19th century Cornwall became the world’s leading centre for the development and manufacture of equipment for the mining industry. Holmans Bros patented their first drill in 1881 and continued for over 100 years.

Our 1908 Holman Winding Engine was used for raising ore from the shaft below the original wooden headframe. The Engine now runs on compressed air in its original location.See this in action on YouTube

King Edward Mine is a Charity

Our aim is to celebrate the mining history of Cornwall by collecting, stewarding and interpreting historical and engineering heritage in ways that increase knowledge and ignite curiosity among people of all ages and backgrounds.

As Cornwall’s best preserved mine site, the buildings have been beautifully restored and now serve as a community hub for the Cornish Mining World Heritage area.

Our Cornish Mining Landscape

Our 22 acre site has become a haven for wildlife, birds, bats and wild flowers as it has been untouched by farming or pesticides.

In the summer, we host ecology events, to identify and observe nesting birds and to look at the wild flowers on the site.

Follow our nature trail, using our site guide, available at our reception.

We have up to 60 volunteers who guide our visitors, and contribute to the preservation and development of this unique site.

What Our Visitors Say About Us

"Thoroughly enjoyable and informative visit"

As part of a walking holiday it took me 25 minutes to walk here from Camborne station, and I found the museum with no problem. On arrival I received a friendly welcome, and then one of the volunteers took time to give me an introductory tour around the site. I have a basic knowledge of Cornish mining, but plenty of questions - which were all answered informatively. After then spending over an hour studying the various exhibits at my leisure I was then given a demonstration of various equipment in operation, with an explanation of how it all worked.

There is also a shop area with a good selection of books of Cornish mining.

This was an excellent visit which lasted a little over three hours, thank you folks.

On another occasion I will return to walk some of the tramway walks around the Great Flat Lode area.