Harvey’s was indisputably the greatest of the
Cornish foundries. It was established in 1779 by John Harvey and
greatly expanded by his son Henry in collaboration with Arthur
Woolf. It became the foremost engine foundry in the world, with an
international market served through their own port at Foundry
town, Hayle.
Around 25 historic structures connected with
Harvey’s Foundry survive in a relatively coherent group. This is
where the largest steam engines in the world were produced and the
greatest number of mine steam engines exported throughout the
world. The surrounding urban fabric, principally deriving from
industrial growth instigated by this single family-owned business,
is of considerable historical significance.
