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Wheal Kitty
St Agnes, Wheal Kitty - geograph.org.uk - 92307.jpg
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Unitary authority
Ceremonial county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Police Devon and Cornwall
Fire Cornwall
Ambulance South Western
EU Parliament South West England
List of places
UK
England
Cornwall
50°19′N 5°12′W / 50.31°N 5.2°W / 50.31; -5.2

Wheal Kitty is a small village in Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom. It is found about half a mile northeast of St Agnes. The village sits on a high, flat area called the Goonlaze Downs plateau. It is also home to the main office of Surfers Against Sewage, a group that works to protect our oceans.

Exploring Wheal Kitty Village

Wheal Kitty is a quiet place with a rich history. It is known for its connection to Cornwall's mining past. The village offers views of the surrounding countryside. It is a great example of a traditional Cornish settlement.

What to See in Wheal Kitty

Even though it is small, Wheal Kitty has some interesting features. You can see old buildings that show its mining heritage. The area is also popular with people who enjoy walking. They can explore the nearby downs and coastal paths.

The Historic Wheal Kitty Mine

Wheal Kitty village is famous for its old mine, also called Wheal Kitty Mine. In ancient times, people dug for tin here. Tin was a very important metal. The mine was once very deep, going down about 1,080 feet (330 meters).

A Look at the Mine's History

The Wheal Kitty Mine first opened again in the 1830s. Miners dug for both tin and copper ore. But it closed down in 1842. Ten years later, in 1852, the mine reopened. It continued to operate for many years.

Inside the Mine: Engines and Workers

Today, you can still see parts of the old mine. There are two Cornish engine houses and four tall chimneys left. These buildings once held huge steam engines. One special engine was built in 1852. It was moved to Wheal Kitty in 1910. This powerful engine pumped water out of a very deep part of the mine called Sara's Shaft.

In 1914, the mine was a busy place. About 220 people worked there. They worked hard to bring up valuable metals from deep underground. The Wheal Kitty Mine finally closed for good in 1930. Its remains are a reminder of Cornwall's important mining past.

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