View of the ruined remains of Ding Dong Engine House above
Peter Joseph and Gerald Williams, well known historians of the Penwith mining area, having researched the story of this historic mine from original sources over some years, have now published a fascinating account of their work. Their book includes studies of the adjacent, North, East and South Ding Dong Mines, although West Ding Dong, lying several miles away, is not included, and also gives valuable wider insights into the early years of the tin industry of West Cornwall.
Ding Dong Mine - a History, is now published by The Trevithick Society at £15.99, and is available from the Society or our local bookshop: The Edge of the World Bookshop on Market Jew Street in Penzance.
Striking landmarks in West Penwith are the derelict engine houses of Greenburrow and Ding Dong, visible from many directions. In contrast the stories of the mines themselves are relatively unknown.
Numerous small tinworks were operating in this area in the 17th century, Ding Dong Mine was mentioned as far back as the early 1600s, and in the 1790s was the scene of legal wrangles between Richard Trevithick and Boulton & Watt over steam engine design ownership rights. In the early 19th century Ding Dong Mine amalgamated with the adjacent Wheal Malkin and worked more or less successfully until 1877.
In its final 20 years of operation Ding Dong produced nearly 3,000 tons of black tin at a value of just under £155,000.
Numerous small tinworks were operating in this area in the 17th century, Ding Dong Mine was mentioned as far back as the early 1600s, and in the 1790s was the scene of legal wrangles between Richard Trevithick and Boulton & Watt over steam engine design ownership rights. In the early 19th century Ding Dong Mine amalgamated with the adjacent Wheal Malkin and worked more or less successfully until 1877.
In its final 20 years of operation Ding Dong produced nearly 3,000 tons of black tin at a value of just under £155,000.