Morris, B. W., Wapshott, E. and Boyd, N. (2022). Wheal Ellen Engine House, Porthtowan, St Agnes, Cornwall - Updated Historic Building Appraisal. South West Archaeology Ltd.. https://doi.org/10.5284/1108579. Cite this using datacite

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Title:		 Wheal Ellen Engine House, Porthtowan, St Agnes, Cornwall - Updated Historic Building Appraisal
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Series:		 South West Archaeology Ltd. unpublished report series
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southwes1-510840_193108.pdf (8 MB) : Download
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https://doi.org/10.5284/1108579
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Publication Type:		 Report (in Series)
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Abstract:		 This report presents the results of a historic building appraisal that was carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) to assess the fabric that was affected by the conversion, restoration, and development of Wheal Ellen Engine House, Porthtowan, St Agnes, Cornwall. The Wheal Ellen engine house is a fine example of its type. It stands within a valley group with other well-preserved but derelict mining and industrial remains. The form and build of the engine house is key to its historic value, its architectural interest, and its visual contribution to the wider group within the World Heritage Site. The engine house was constructed by the Ellen United Copper and Zinc Mining Company (Limited) who went into liquidation the following year. The engine was never installed within the engine house and so its contribution to the mining landscape is a purely visual one. The engine house shows signs of forced entries and of patching and repairs and so it has seen some use, however there are no surviving fittings to indicate its function(s). The survival of the boundary stones is noteworthy. A careful comparison between the two sets of photographs - those from 2017 and those from 2022 - demonstrates little apparent change to the physical structure, however there has been a loss of mortar during that time (in particular from the upper walls and the stack) and the engine house does feature some unsympathetic cement mortar repairs. The amount of ivy has, on the whole, increased slightly over the past four years. The exposed shaft should be capped sympathetically and covered over as the long-term stability of the shaft head would be threatened if it is left open. As the shaft was until recently sealed, and as the shaft fills to the brim with water during the winter, there is no ecological reason to retain an opening. The very well-preserved timbers that were recovered are a result of a sealed environment and it would be best to replicate this to ensure the preservation of the timbers around the head of the shaft. If left exposed to fluctuating water levels, the exposed the timbers will weaken and rot. As the timbers retain the unconsolidated material above the rockhead, their failure will lead to the collapse of the shaft head and could potentially - subject to the depth of the foundations - undermine the bob wall.
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Author:		 Bryn W Morris
E Wapshott
N Boyd ORCID icon
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Publisher:		 South West Archaeology Ltd.
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Year of Publication:		 2022
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Locations:
District: Cornwall
County: Cornwall
Country: England
Parish: St. Agnes
Grid Reference: 170229, 46979 (Easting, Northing)
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BUILDINGS APPRAISAL (Event)
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OASIS Id: southwes1-510840
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Created Date:		 04 Jul 2023