Exploring England #14
We couldn’t go anywhere in the south of Cornwall without seeing the handsome face of Ross Poldark. From cushions to coffee cups, his presence was unavoidable. I wasn’t complaining. I’ve read Winston Graham’s wonderful historic tales of the Poldark family, and I enjoyed watching both the original 1970s and new 2015 television productions as much as anyone.
So did my sister-in-law, who asked for a souvenir. When I purchased a key ring for her, I made sure to tell the shop assistant it wasn’t for me. He laughed – it wasn’t the first time he’d heard that story!
The Poldark name doesn’t just belong to the fictional family though. Close to Helston on the Lizard Peninsula is the Poldark Mine, and you’d be mistaken if you think it’s a television set left behind after filming.
Tin has been mined in this area since the Bronze Age and records show it was being processed here in Tudor times. As the oldest surviving complete tin mine in Cornwall, it’s part of the UNESCO Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
The mine shafts visible today date from the 18th century. The only way to see them is on a guided tour; wearing protective helmets, visitors go underground to explore the old tunnels and shafts on several levels. The walls are slick with moisture and the sound of water still flowing deep in the mine fills the dark spaces.
While modern access is via metal steps, remnants of the old ways remain in place and veins of ore-bearing granite left untouched make a dark tracery across the rock walls.
So what is the connection to the Poldark name? Winston Graham launched the last book in his Poldark series here in 2002 and underground mining scenes in both television shows were filmed in the mine. According to our tour guide, the author was a friend of the mine owner and gave his permission for the mine to be renamed in honour of his much loved characters.
Fact or fiction? I don’t know, but it makes a great story!
History and a handsome guy to look at – all good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺ Mr P was certainly a bonus.
LikeLike
Looks like an interesting place to visit!
LikeLike
It was fascinating to see how the mine was operated in days past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the original TV series, but didn’t know it had been remade. An informative trip with an intriguing question to ponder ….. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
The new one is very good Pauline and the new Mr P is handsome in a dark and brooding kind of way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmmm, I’m kind of fond of dark and brooding …….. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should look him up ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely need to watch Poldark. I don’t know much about the story, but now you’ve piqued my interest!
LikeLike
Cathy, I know you’re a reader so I’d recommend you read the novels first. There are 12 in the series. They’re not huge and are very easy to read. I loved them.
LikeLike
Wow! Twelve novels. I’ll definitely have to check them out. Maybe I’ll get hooked too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you might!
LikeLike
You won’t get me down there so thanks for the views!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So you wouldn’t have been a miner in a previous life?? It must have been a ghastly way to make a living.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love that show, that’s wonderful you got to go there, though the mine doesn’t look like what they have on the show.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s only the underground scenes that were filmed there, Leanne. The above ground part is completely different. This mine is also several km from the coast, unlike the fictional one which is on a cliff overlooking the ocean. I had my photo taken at the actual underground spot where Ross stands, in both the old and new shows. 🙂 Unfortunately, he wasn’t there when I was.
LikeLike
I wonder what it’s like to have your face plastered across teacups, coffee mugs, towels etc.? (I’ll never know!). Lovely post; I also didn’t know that the books continued to be written up to 2002. Maybe I’ll get round to reading them. I watched Series One but not the second one yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are 12 books in the series. I read that there was a 20 year break between the publishing of the fourth and fifth books. I was pleased to see the new TV show following the story quite closely, instead of deviating off on their own agenda.
If you really want to, you can get your photo printed on a coffee cup yourself…that might be interesting. 🙂 You could try it and see if you like it before ordering a whole set.
LikeLike
As a cricket fan yourself, you might already know the story of Ashley Giles, the England spinner, who ordered a load of mugs with “Ashley Giles, King of Spin” embellished on them. Unfortunately the whole batch came back with “Ashley Giles, King of Spain”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t heard that story…how funny! I hope he got a refund.
LikeLike
It does make a good story, Carol. 🙂 I’m not fond of underground either so thanks for the tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased you enjoyed it, Jo. It was so interesting to see, but I can’t imagine what it would have been like to work in these conditions for most of your life.
LikeLike
It would give me nightmares 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to put my hand up and confess that I didn’t know what a Poldark was until this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lorraine, I’m happy to have introduced you to the Poldark family.
LikeLike
Interesting. You wouldn’t catch me in a mine shaft, so thanks for the photos…
Peta
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s quite safe, but I understand the feeling about going underground. Glad you enjoyed the story.
LikeLike
Love this series of posts. We are learning so much about England. Enjoy visiting mines, but could not imagine working under ground. Great photos and great historical information. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so pleased to hear that, Ducks. Being a miner at any time must be a hard way to make a living but in those days… I can’t imagine.
LikeLike
I loved the Poldark books back then and enjoyed both tv series. I must say the current Ross is way better looking than the first though 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first Ross was okay until I set eyes on the second Ross. My goodness…he’s a bit of alright! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol,hands off he’s mine 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darn…I should have been quicker off the mark. 🙂 Are you sure Demelza will share??
LikeLike
Great story and it looks as though there are lots of Poldark fans!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The second series started on TV while we were there Ann and it was very popular.
LikeLike
Very interesting story. Even if renamed mine not long ago, the old mine. Filming a movie in the old mines must be very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would present some challenges. It was very dark down there.
LikeLike