Michell's Engine House
Michell's Engine House, Agar Road, Illogan highway, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3ED
Visit one of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site’s remarkable buildings for free over Heritage Open Days.
Michell’s Engine House was built when East Pool Mine reopened in pursuit of copper. As East Pool's workings became deeper and wider, more power was needed to haul out their ore. In 1887, a 30-inch beam winding engine, known as a whim, was installed. This engine was designed by Francis Michell of Redruth and made by Holman Brothers of Camborne. Named ‘Michell’s Whim’ after its designer, it operated fast at 17 strokes a minute.
Michell's Whim was the last engine of its kind to be made in Cornwall. It hauled ore for the next 34 years until a large underground rock movement blocked the shaft.
EXHIBITION - Sovay Berriman's Catchign Copper exhibition will be on display at the Engine House. Please see separate entry for details of special guided walks available with the artist that also include entry to this.
Michell's Engine House, Agar Road, Illogan highway, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3ED
The bottom floor of this site is level but all other floors are via stairs only.