THE REINVENTION OF OUR MINING HERITAGE

09:00 - 24 April 2008

Quiet flows the Tamar - or, at least, it does between periods of hectic bustle. Martin Hesp has been to Morwellham on the banks of the tidal river to discover why the place is about to hum again.

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BRINGING NEW LIFE TO A LIVING MUSEUM

Major restoration works have begun at Morwellham Quay to transform the site under a one million pound development programme by the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project.

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EXCITING FIND AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

An archaeological dig taking place this week at Morwellham Quay has unearthed a significant and exciting piece of the Tamar Valley’s mining history.

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Welcome to Morwellham Quay

Keeping the past alive for everyone to enjoy

An award-winning, evocative museum and visitor centre in the heart of the newly inscribed World Heritage Site and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.    Just four miles west of Tavistock the historic port, mine workings and Estate, border the beautiful River Tamar. Amidst towering cliffs and gently rolling farmland, a lost world lives again.

Costumed staff welcome visitors to the restored port and help to transport you back to the bustling 1860s when heaps of gleaming copper ore filled the quays and a forest of ships' masts lined the river. All human life is here as you explore the busy assay office, marvel at the over-crowded miner's cottages and stroll along original quaysides.

There's also an opportunity for you to play your part! Authentic replica costumes are available for you to promenade through the village, while the children find out what life was really like working on the "dressing-floors" of the mine or acting as servants in the "Sampler’s House".

For many a highlight of the visit is the journey underground into the copper mine. Here son et lumiere displays illustrate the harsh working conditions of Victorian miners and our train drivers offer an expert commentary on the technical aspects of hard rock mining.

By way of contrast the Victorian farm and nature reserve offer you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of 21st century life as you wander through the tranquil countryside with only the wildlife for company. And when you’re hungry, or thirsty, the Ship Inn caters for every taste under the guidance of local celebrity chef Peter Gorton.  Look out for our new Victorian Tea Room opening soon.

Whether you've an interest in Cornish mining, Victorian history, shipping in the age of sail, cottage gardens, reed-beds, old farm machinery, or if you simply want a continually stimulating and entertaining day out, Morwellham Quay is the place to visit:  There’s 200 acres for you to enjoy!