The 'Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape' World Heritage Site project

The successful bid was prepared to place Cornwall and west Devon's historic mining landscapes on a par with such international treasures as Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China (click here to link to the current list of World Heritage Sites).

Remarkable advances in hard rock mining and engineering technologies during the 18th and 19th centuries transformed the landscape, economy and society of the region, placing it at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. These technologies quickly spread to every corner of the globe as the international migration of Cornwall and west Devon's highly skilled workforce forged extensive cultural links between mining communities worldwide. Distinctive physical reminders of this important past persist within the landscape - imposing engine houses and extensive relict mine sites, industrial harbours and tramways, foundry and fusework buildings, mining towns and villages, hundreds of non-conformist chapels, the glorious houses and gardens of the mineral lords, the modest smallholdings of the ordinary miners, the technical schools, miners' institutes and geological collections established for the aspiring student.

As well as recognising the unique role of Cornish Mining in shaping modern industrial society, World Heritage Site Status will bring tangible socio-economic benefits to the region. It will draw down conservation funding, be a major asset to international tourism marketing and assist the regeneration of former mining communities.

The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Team is based at the Historic Environment Service, Kennall Building, Old County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY, Cornwall, United Kingdom. For more information, contact the World Heritage Site Bid Project Manager. Tel: + 44 (0)1872-323603. Email: hes@cornwall.gov.uk